








t 


cetiyi 












1> " 


An 








I 


y • S- 


H .1^ 




» i 


t 


of 


r 


V / 












»« 




•» • 




HI 


V I 


r. 


FiJTT' *iV' 










A 


» * 


r, 


u . ^ , 














R. 


* / 




?:. * •( * 


% 9 


ti 




^ V 


U-: 


« 9 






.d' 




' ^1/ 


-rf VV - . ^ 




iv 


'k-' 


>•- ;- ^ 

|^*F‘.‘:/ 

f . 
» ' 

Ef^r 



rpl 


v^<: 




#1 


ffj ^ 






t A 




:A 


•i'f' 


•' » ,' 






.4 






Ti' 


fi'l 


* f. 




'^■V.'s.' 


•A* - . 


• \ 


'S 


'H-'’ 

:r j: ^.7^ ’ . ■>- M 


SJ *>i 


m 


?iiii 




‘H 




n! ' 


;< 1 


}► 


i 'V‘ 


V 


.' -rfr' 


? ' f 


iJ. 




t f t 


5lf' 




VR 


w 




#• 


,H'. 


*<1 


[fT 


* < W 


i; 


< ’* 


+ 


''' 

A. i.A. t 




I') 


\f'^l 




^ V 4 




r. i 


9 


• L'k 


’iKf 


' M 


k »>: Ar 




!‘ .# 


« ( 




.t '. *»1 




‘4? 


^ ' * 




*,VIA 


fi. td 








i*. 


■T»l 


'» .> 


[tl 




f 




■\' 


:f 


7''l 






»•> i 


Ni ‘ 




»2- 


Kf 


■k 




R 


• V 


1 ^ » • ♦ 




*f ^U- 


JrTfft. ^ 




l-.M 


A 

ii 




.‘-^ .•*' 


V. V'*. 




i 








V.. 


*« « 




lc«' 








♦ < 


«- v 


rir. 




I* 




1 


4» ' 


!<. *. 








L-4^^r 




iVr 


f i» 


'ja: 


5^3 


f; 




,.IUi 


1 ^ ! W “» 




* % 




I*. 


•4t1 




•iMl 








|M», 


fv^ 




.* '! ■ wi • ’ 


"5 •(» T 


4J 


i 








^ - -f;:. 

• it 


vi:-' 






^ t 











FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR 


A ROMANCE 


w. 


G. 


by/ 

‘tarbet 





NEW YORK 
HENRY HOLT AND 
1898 


3 01898 

'SO.- 

of Copf 


ZndCOPy TWCCOPIfSP^-EIVFO 

1898 . ’ ' ^ 





Copyright, 1S98, 

BY 

HENRY HOLT & CO. 


ROBRFT DRUMMOND, PRINTER, NEW YORK, 


PREFACE. 


When I took in hand to write this book I 
little knew what labour there was to the 
making of one, but encouraged by the interest 
taken in it by my dear daughter and by the 
Rev. James Melville, minister to our needs in 
the town of Anstruther, I have persevered to an 
end. Lest it should survive a generation or 
two, or longer, and come to be doubted, I have 
asked the said Rev. James Melville to put in 
the forefront of it a page or two out of his diary 
that relates to a similar aflfair of the pirates : 

“ At my first coming to Anstruther (in 1587) 
there fell out a heavy accident, whilk vexit my 
mind mickle at first, but drew me mickle nearer 
my God, and teached me what it was to have a 
care of a flock. Ane of our crears (a light bark 
with one mast) returning from England, was 
beset by an English pirate, pillaged, and a very 
guid honest man of Anstruther slain therein. 
The whilk loon (rascal) coming pertly to the 


IV 


PREFACE. 


very road of Pittenweem, spulyied a ship lying 
therein, and misused the men thereof. This 
wrang could not be suffered by our men, lest 
they should be made a common prey to sic 
limmers. Therefore, purchasing a commission, 
they riggit out a proper flyboat, and every man 
encouraging another, made almaist the haill 
honest and best men in all the town to go in 
her to the sea. 

'' When aucht or ten days were endit, and 
they in sight were returning, with all guid 
tokens of joy, flags, streamers, and ensignie 
displayed, we received them with great joy, and 
went together to the kirk and praised God. 

The captain for the time recounted to me 
truly their haill proceeding. That they, meet- 
ing with their admiral, a great ship of St. 
Andrews, weel riggit out by the burghs, being 
fine of sail, went before her all the way, and 
made every ship they foregathered with, of 
whatsomever nation, to strike and do homage 
to the King of Scotland, shawing them for what 
cause they were riggit forth, and inquiring of 
knaves and pirates. 

From them they approached to the shore at 


PREFACE. 


V 


Suffolk, and finds by Providence the loon wha 
had newlins taken a crear of our awn town 
and was spulying her. Howsoon they spy ane 
coming warlike, the loons leave their prize, and 
run their ship on land, our flyboat after, and 
almaist was on land with them ; yet staying 
hard by, they delash their ordnance at the 
loons, and a number going a-land, pursues and 
takes a half-dozen of them, and puts them 
aboard in their boat. They then took the 
pirates’ ship whilk they brought back with 
them, with the half-dozen of the loons; whereof 
twa were hangit on our pierend, the rest in St. 
Andrews ; with nae hurt at all to any of our 
folks, wha ever since syne have been free from 
English pirates. All praise to God for ever. 
Amen.” 

And ane other gentleman has writ to me the 
following so that my tale may have authority, 
the which statement can be verified by ony that 
care to look up the Process book in Edinburgh : 

“ The Lanarkshire leadmines, under the care 
of Thomas Foulis, goldsmith in Edinburgh, 
and Bewis Bulmer, an Englishman, were now 


VI 


PREFACE. 


beginning to be a source of profit. The lead 
was transported on the backs of horses to 
sundry parts of the realm, but the greater part 
to Leith, where it was disposed of for exporta- 
tion. Just however as all the mining difficulties 
had been overcome, the enterprisers found 
trouble of a different kind. The broken men 
of the Borders had heard of this valuable metal 
passing along the uplands of Clydesdale, and it 
seemed to them not too hazardous an adventure 
to cross the hills and make a dash at such a 
booty. We therefore now hear of the carriers 
of the lead, servants of Thomas Foulis, being 
occasionally beset on their way, and robbed by 
the Borderers of horses, armour, clothing, and 
their haill carriage.’’ 

And so having quoted guid authority for my 
story I leave it to whaever may read, and wish 
them less bother in the reading than in the 
writing o’t. 


CONTENTS 


CHAl'TER 

I. 

II. 

III. 

IV. 

V. 

VI. 

VII. 

VIII. 

IX. 

X. 

XI. 

XII. 

XIII. 

XIV. 
XV. 


HEIR OF AN AULD RACE ! . 

I SELL MY HEIRSHIP AND HAVE THE 
BEST OF THE BARGAIN 

I MEET IN WITH JOCK HAY 

TREACHERY AND TORTURE AT THE 
FORD 

WE LIE IN WAIT FOR THE BORDERERS 

WE TAK' our AIN, OR TIT FOR TAT . 

JOCK HAY GETS MY AID IN A PAIN- 
FUL BUSINESS 

A STORMY INTRODUCTION . 

MY COUSIN ROSE 

I LISTEN TO HER HARP AND DREAM . 

THE PEST ! 

I HAVE IT OUT WITH ROSE 

IN SPITE OF THE PEST ROSE STAYS 
IN ANSTRUTHER . . . . 

A PEST-STRUCK TOWN . . . . 

THE MUTINY OF THE “ MARIE ” . 


PAGE 

I 

. 6 
12 

19 

29 

37 

46 

56 

66 

75 

84 

95 

102 

no 

120 


vii 


viii 

CONTENTS. 




CHAPTER 

XVI. 

THE BIT FIGHT ON THE DECK 


• 

PAGE 

128 

XVII. 

A MIGHTY PLEASANT TIME CONSIDER- 
ING 

136 

XVIII. 

I GET PROMOTED 

• 


M 5 

XIX. 

CAPTAIN IVY MANNERS 

• 

• 

152 

XX. 

THINGS COMING TO A HEAD 

• 

• 

161 

.XXI. 

MY DUEL WITH IVY MANNERS 

• 

• 

I7I 

XXII. 

I FALL IN WITH JOCK HAY AGAIN 

• 

181 

XXIII. 

THE RESCUE OF ROSE . 

• 

• 

I9I 

XXIV. 

THE FIGHT WITH THE ROVERS 

THE SILVER DYKE . 

AT 

• 

200 

XXV. 

THE “ MARIE ” AMONG PIRATES 

• 

• 

2 II 

XXVI. 

AN HOUR OF AGONY 

• 

• 

218 

XXVII. 

WE PLAN REVENGE 

• 

• 

227 

XXVIII. 

A BLINK OF SUNLIGHT 

« 

• 

236 

XXIX. 

WE SET OUT ON THE RAID 

• 

• 

247 

XXX. 

MURDER AT THE FORD 

• 

• 

256 

XXXI. 

DAREDEVIL JOINS OUR ENTERPRISE 

• 

270 

XXXII. 

AT PINCH OF DEATH . 

• 

« 

282 

XXXIII. 

THE PIRATE PIRATED . 

• 

• 

291 

XXXIV. 

THE END OF THE FIGHT, BUT 

THE FAVOUR . 

NOT 

OF 

302 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 


CHAPTER I. 

HEIR OF AN AULD RACE ! 

It was in the spring of the year 1585 that I 
buried my poor mother, and came away sair- 
hearted and friendless from her grave. Aside 
her lay my father, and, at that moment, fain 
would I have lain me down atween them. 

I went home to my lonely house, and found 
my father’s hound, Auld Robin, courying into 
the hearth and whining maist desolate. It was 
not manly, but I lay down also and joined my 
cries to his. 

For two or three days I bade me in my 
chamber till the bitterness of my grief was past; 
then, as man maun aye do, I began to consider 


2 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 


my position. And little gladness got I out of 
that. 

Heir of an auld race was I; but heir to what 
besides ? 

A house, through the roof of which the sun 
and rain of heaven found easy way; some fields, 
cold and wet; and some cattle, mair fit to sell 
for bones than as food for Christians. 

A gowden heirship truly — for that was all. 
Nay, not quite all ! 

In a coffer I found twenty shares of £ioo 
Scots apiece of a gold mine, each share setting 
forth as how Regent Moray granted to Cornelius 
de Vois, a Dutchman, or Company by him 
formed, “ the richt for nineteen years, to search 
for gold and silver in ony part o’ the realm o’ 
Scotland, to break the ground, mak’ sinks and 
pots therein, and to put labourers thereto,” 
paying the Government in requital eight ounces 
of gold or silver for every hundred of the same 
found. 

I took the bundle of parchment up in my 
hand, carried it to the fire and stapped it in. 

Poor father ! In his hurry to make the house 
of Duras once again what it had been, he was 


HEIR OF AN AULD RACE ! 


3 


all the more easily enticed into an adventure, 
which, at the first, promised such speedy 
reward. His golden dream became a passion ! 
Into the venture he went a strong man and tight, 
out from it he came bent and broken-hearted. 
Dupe of a dupe he was, to whom the alluring 
gold was as a woman's eye, '' which enticeth 
her lover into her bosom." 

Poor father, who can blame thee ? Verily 
for thy dream thou didst pay a penance in thy 
weary wanderings in Nithsdale and Clydesdale, 
where small tastes of gold here and there 
whetted thine appetite, and led thee on. 

Poor father, thy dream is over ; and fated 
to be ever but a dream ! 

I mused long and sadly over all his wasted 
life, and wakened up, only as evening fell, to 
the fact that I was no further with a plan of my 
own. I clutched hold of my hair with both 
hands, and set myself to think. 

Clearly, unless I meant to live as a hermit all 
my life, there was not enough to support me on 
the remains of the estate. Therefore I must 
go and find a means of livelihood. But where ? 
I might go to France and go in the Scots 


4 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 


Guards, but would that better me ? For one 
tale of fortune found there, I had heard of ten 
of misfortune. There were other openings as 
a soldier, but none of any promise unless by 
the aid of influence; and of that I had none. 
Besides, though as fond of a play with swords, 
or the drawing of a bow, or the shooting of a 
musquet, as my neighbours, I was conscious of 
a great longing for something stable to bind 
myself to. Methinks the years of wild and 
visionary dreams I had lived in with my father 
had sickened me of chance. So I turned from 
the usual fate of one left such as I, and cast me 
about for some other. 

I was twenty-two, and of great stature and 
breadth, strong and of good courage — surely, I 
thought, with these I need not despair. But, 
think as I would, I could come to no settled 
determination, and so went to bed. 

Scarce had I lain me down when the recollec- 
tion of one Simon Carter, a merchant in 
Anstruther, and a cousin of my mother’s, came 
into my mind. He had come late into our 
house when I was but a lad, and had departed 
early next morning. My mother had wakened 


HEIR OF AN AULD RACE / 


5 


me from my sleep to come down and show 
myself ere he went. It was but a dim dream 
to me, except for this — that he put his hand 
under my chin and looked into my face. 

And what are ye gaun to mak’ o’ him ? ” 
he asked my mother, roughly. A moudiewarp 
like his father, eh ? ” 

My mother gave him hard words for this at 
first, but them he heeded not; then she cried. 

Nay, mistress,” he said, more kindly, I 
meant not ill ; but an ye wad save the lad 
some unhappiness, pit him till an honest trade. 
It’s maybe no sae dainty, but it’s mair certain 
than gold huntin’.” 

So there and then, as I lay, I determined to 
seek this Simon Carter, and see if he could put 
me to an honest trade. 


CHAPTER II. 


I SELL MY HEIRSHIP AND HAVE THE BEST 
OF THE BARGAIN. 

I WOKE with the sun in my eyes next 
morning, and in good heart. Slow to come 
to a determination, I am none backward in 
bringing it to its end, so went out and saddled 
my nag. I rode into Lanark, to the house of a 
writer there. He was an honest man, as far 
as I could tell, so I made up my mind to speak 
to him plainly, it being in my power to do 
nought else, knowing little or nothing of the 
value of land. 

I told him of my wish to sell the house and 
land outright, and, though he had had many 
dealings of a like nature with my father, he 
cast his head up with many words, signifying 
his wish to see the land first. 

'' But ye have the rest o’t already, Maister 
Inglis,” I said, wearying to have done and 
away, '' surely the bulk o' a thing 13 a guid 

6 


/ SELL MY HEIRSHIP. 


7 


enough swatch o’ the rest. Look here, now, 
mak’ an ofifer for stick, stane, and bane.” 

“ It’s weel seen that ye have been broucht 
up by your faither, for ” 

“ Never mind my faither,” I said, sharply. 

The man gave me a tolerant wave of the 
hand, as though to say, “ Oh, thae young 
folks ! ” and then said : 

“ But as I kent your faither, sae for his 
sake ” 

“ I’ll understand ye better, Maister Inglis, if 
ye talk plain, and say for the land’s sake.” 

He sat straight upon his stool, and when he 
spoke his voice had lost its savour. 

“ I was minded to treat ye kindly, but there’s 
no ’greeing with them that will na ’gree. How 
muckle do ye want for this bit bog o’ yours 
and all that’s on it, stick, stane, and bane — 
principally bane. I’m thinking, with respect to 
the beasts ? ” 

“Weel, I was thinking to come oot o’t with 
£200 in my pouch,” I said. 

“ Twa hunner pound ! ” he cried, and threw 
his arms up. “ Who do you think would give 
that for’t ? ” 


8 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 


'' You/’ I said, looking him between the eyes. 

Ay, man, is that your thoucht ? ” 

‘‘ It is,” I said. 

And what mak’s ye think that ? ” 

‘‘ Why ? ” said I. ‘‘ It would be a silly like 
thing for you to own the outlying fields and 
not the home anes.” 

'' Wha says I own any o’ yer land ? ” 

Toots, Maister Inglis,” I said, there’s no 
use in arguing about a thing that baith o’ us 
kens is true.” 

He gave me a gloom of his eyes at that, for 
the man was so used to the windings and 
turnings of his trade, that a bit of truth to 
him was like a sudden wash of water at his 
feet. There was no harm in his possessing the 
farm, only he wished it to be a secret; for, had 
the folks known, they would have thought he 
was making more money out of them than he 
ought. In this he was right, for at no time is 
a man more subject to ill-tongued rumour than 
when he is getting on in the world. 

I’ll give ye a hunner for it,” he said, turning 
to his desk. 

If that bid was for my faither’s sake. 


/ SELL MY HEIRSHIP. 


9 


Maister Inglis, I thank ye. But it was 
mista’en generosity, for there’s them I ken 
who will be quite willing to give twa for’t. So 
guid day.” 

I turned on my heel, and was just closing the 
door, when he called me back. 

“ Is that the least ye’ll tak’ for’t ? ” he asked. 

“ It is,” I said. 

“ Just sign that, then, will ye ? ” he said, 
handing me the agreement drawn out with 
only the price left blank. 

“ I see ye were prepared,” I said. 

The man gave a bit smirk to himself and 
said : 

“Ye maybe think ye’ve driven a hard bar- 
gain, Maister David Duras, but I micht as 
weel tell ye, to keep yer pride down, that I was 
quite prepared to oflfer you £250.” 

“ Oh, but,” said I, “ there’s time to draw 
back yet.” 

The bit smirk ran of¥ his face of a sudden, 
and he tried to hide his fright with a laugh. 

“ Tits, I was only joking. I only wanted to 
let on I had the best o’ the deal. So sign, 
man, sign.” 


lO 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 


He fairly forced me down to the chair, and 
had none too ready breath till I had put my 
name down to the paper. 

'' Tm for the money just now,’’ I said ; 

short reckonings mak’ long freens.” 

Oh, ye’ll get it, for ye’re a long friend, I 
could easy spare,” he said, getting the rough 
side of his tongue as soon as he was outside of 
the wood again. 

In about an hour he was back and paid me 
the money. 

Now,” he said, you and me’s quits.” 

He said it with such evident enjoyment, that 
I was not sorry to have the chance of the last 
word. 

“ I’m but a young man ” I said. 

Ye are that,” he added, and have a lot to 
learn — a terrible lot.” 

And ye’re an auld ane.” 

No sae auld,” he muttered, rubbing his 
hands. 

So ye’ll maybe not tak’ the advice in as 
guid spirit as it’s given, but, all the same, I 
would advise ye to tak’ some ducks and drakes 
out tae the farm with ye.” 


/ SELL MY HEIRSHIP. 


II 


''Ay/' said he carelessly, '‘and what for 
that ? ’’ 

" Because,” said I, " the bit burn, with the 
last three nichts’ rain, has burst down the south 
bank, and Fm a wee feared the low meadow 
will be mair use as a pond than as a field for a 
guid wheen years tae come. 

" But dinna be downcast, man,” I said, as 
he strode to and fro, cursing. " Look at the 
scenery ye’ll have the advantage o’. It’s no 
everybody that can brag o’ a natural lake on 
their estate.” 


CHAPTER III. 


I MEET IN WITH JOCK HAY. 

I THOUGHT little of leaving the house where 
I was born and bred. It is only after a while 
that the memory of hameland comes back and 
takes a grip of one’s heart. 

At that time I little kent that I would dream 
at nights of that stony knowe which I had dug 
and planted for so many years with much sweat 
and labour. Yet so it came, and the memory 
was none the less bitter when I thought on 
how carelessly I had left it. We dream on 
what’s to come with great sweetness and 
underrate what we have. The future has aye 
the soft side of us, and the present the hard 
thoughts. Not until we gather sense does the 
future appear in its proper light, and that is 
what some call contentment. 

So I went about my business, burdened with 
none of these thoughts, but only sad when my 
mind turned to thinking of my mother. 


12 


I MEET IN WITH lOCK HAY. 


13 


I got me a good plain suit of hodden grey 
and a broad blue bonnet with no feather nor 
badge as would suit my future station. Much 
anxiousness was caused me with regard to how 
I was to get a sure convoy to Anstruther with 
my money. 

The roads were safer than they used to be ; 
but even at that, none so safe for a single 
traveller. I was ill inclined to risk any mis- 
chance when all I possessed was on me. Jean 
Gilbert, the wife who kept the house for the 
lodging for man and beast, helped me out of 
my predicament by telling me of a lift of lead 
that was to be made from the mines to Leith 
on the next day. 

'' But,'’ I said to her, '' there was ane harried 
no so long ago, and the horses, lead, and all, 
stolen by some of the border men." 

'' Ay," she said, '' but they'll no try that trick 
on again. Scotch folk can be caught sleepin' 
ance, but no twice. They have made up the 
convoy to twalve men now, and nae scaith of 
pistols and swords among them. Jock Hay, 
himsel' the leader, has been a trooper in his 
time. Na, na, Duras, if ye can slip in among 


14 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 


them ye’ll be as safe as if ye were in yer ain 
hoose.” 

'' And what time do ye expect them to be 
here, Jean ? ” 

‘‘ About noonday. They’ll stop here for a 
bit o’ dinner, an’ gif ye be about. I’ll pit ye in 
the way o’ kenning Jock.” 

I thought I could not do better than take 
the wife’s advice, so went home and spent the 
evening craftily sewing up my money in the 
packing of my saddle, and such like. 

I rode down next day to Jean’s, but there 
was no sign of the convoy. An hour, two 
hours passed, and at length they made their 
appearance. Instantly there was a great 
clamour of horses’ hoofs outside of the house, 
and, inside, an accompanying clash of delf, 
but, above all, Jock Hay’s voice rang out : 

Now, ye doited knave, Rab Lourie, get 
your pack shifted and tak’ the mare down to 
the smiddy and get shod. Hurry, man, hurry ; 
if ye’re no back within the half-hour I’ll break 
your neck across my knee.” 

The man led ofif the horse sulkily and Jock 


came m. 


/ MEET IN WITH lOCK HAY. 


15 


“ As fast as ye can, Jean, now, for we maun 
be off in half an hour.” 

“ What’s kept ye, Jock ? ” 

“Ye may weel ask, Jean ; did anybody ever 
hear the like o’ a man starting on a long tramp 
like ours and never giving a look to his horse’s 
shoes ? The consequence was, we hadna gone 
four miles when she dropped a shoe and went 
lame soon after. We should have been ten 
miles further on than this.” 

“ Where are ye pittin’ up for the micht, 
Jock ? ” 

“ At Kaldar, Jean.” 

“ Lod, it’ll be dark afore ye get there.” 

“ Dark ! it’ll be dark before we get half-way,” 
said Jock, as with a final outburst of oaths he 
began his dinner. 

After his hunger was appeased, Jean said ; 

“ This is Maister Duras, Jock. He would 
like a convoy till Leith with ye.” 

“ Happy to have ye, sir,” said Jock, “ if ye 
can put up with our slow pace. But are ye 
ready ? for here’s my man coming up the street, 
and I maun be off. Come on, then, and saddle 
your nag.” 


1 6 FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 

As we went out the man, Rab Lourie, whose 
carelessness had caused the delay, came in at 
the door; Jock stopped him. 

'' Ay, and where will ye be going ? ’’ 

For my dinner,’’ said the man. 

Just turn about the way ye came, my 
bonnie mannie,” said Jock, ‘‘ and if ye wadna 
come to a close friendship with my nieve, get 
the pack on yer horse as tho’ the devil was 
working ye.” 

The man grumbled that he had as good 
a right to his dinner as Jock, and did not 
stir. 

D’ye hear me ? ” said Jock, quietly. 

“ I want my dinner,” said the man, dourly. 

Instantly Jock’s hand flew out, and grasped 
the man round the throat. He struggled a bit, 
but, being a small, thin man, had little chance 
against the gigantic Jock, to whose height even 
I, who am above the generality of my fellows, 
have to look up. Jock shook him backwards 
and forwards till the man was nearly choked, 
and never a cry did Rab Lourie make, but all 
the time he glared at Jock with a devilish 
malice- 


I MEET IN WITH lOCK HAY. 


17 


Jock heeded it not a whit, but, when he 
thought the man had had his lesson, cast him 
off. 

“ Now, Rab Lourie, just let me hear another 
word from you on this side of the earth about 
dinner or anything else, and I vow to God I’ll 
grind your head into flour with my heel.” 

“ A heavy hand you’ve got, Jock Hay,” I 
said, as we rode on. 

“ And a heavy hand I need, Duras.” 

“ How, are they such a bad lot ? ” 

“ They’re neither better nor worse than the 
ordinary,” said Jock, “ but there’s no discipline 
among them. And discipline is a thing they’ve 
got to learn, if I officer them.” 

“ Have ye ever tried kindness ? ” I said. 

“ I have,” said Jock, shortly. 

I waited for him to say something more, but 
as he kept silent : 

I asked, “ And what was the result ? ” 

“ The result of kindness was a broken head 
for me, and the result of that broken head was 
twa sick men. No, kindness will do- for maids, 
but not for men. It’s best as a luxury.” 

“ They seem a sturdy crew,” I said, looking 


l8 FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 

back at the ten men each with a pistol in his 
belt, and a whinger by his side. 

“ They’re all that,” said Jock, with an air of 
doubt. 

“Ye don’t seem pleased,” I said. “D’ye 
not think they’ll stand fire ? ” 

“ Ye’ve just hit the point, Duras,” said Jock. 
“ There’s no saying what they’ll do. They 
havena been baptised yet with bluid. They’re 
dour and sturdy enough when they’re wakened 
up, but I fear me they’ll be like a flock of sheep 
if they’re taken sudden; if ane runs, the rest 
will follow. If ane fights, I’m no feared for 
them.” 

“ But they will have you to set an example, 
Jock.” 

“ That’s what I’m counting on, Duras,” he 
said. 


CHAPTER IV. 


TREACHERY AND TORTURE AT THE FORD. 

The weather was none so bad as long as we 
were in the lowland, but, when we began to 
ascend, a blather of wind and rain met us full 
in the face. 

The cheery song behind us came to a sudden 
close. The men had been stepping alongside 
their horses with a livesome spring, but now 
they settled themselves down to a dour gait. 

Ere we came to the watering place the day 
had begun to creep in, and there was barely 
light enough to see a man’s face at twenty 
paces. Two bits of wandering bodies were 
trying to light a fire near the ford, but the wind 
and rain soon put an end to their attempts, 
and, when we stopped, they came among us 
and began to beg piteously for something to 
eat. 

“ Hurry with the horses now, lads. Just 

19 


20 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 


give them a bit taste o’ the water, and away we 
go again,” cried Jock, as he and I dismounted 
and walked to and fro to stretch our cramped 
legs. 

Two horsemen from Leith way rode up to 
the ford, and began to water their horses also. 

There’s beginning to get over much com- 
pany for my taste,” said Jock to me. We’ll 
just go back to our horses, Duras.” 

He began to walk back, and just got among 
them, when of a sudden out flashed the two 
horsemen’s swords. They gave a shout as they 
drew them, and, as if in answer to their call, 
the two wandering bodies each drew a pistol 
from his clothes and fired. One of our men 
dropped to rise no more. The horses at the 
noise of the shots reared and plunged. The 
attack was sudden, and for the instant all was 
confusion. 

Our men began to recover themselves, and 
Jock Hay’s sword was out, when round the 
corner at full racing speed came four horsemen. 
Yelling like demons, they charged in among us, 
and fired their pistols. The already frightened 
horses grew mad from fear and broke from the 


TREACHERY AT THE FORD. 


21 


men. Jock Hay sprang to where his horse 
was, and was nearly in the saddle of the rest- 
less brute when Rab Lourie from behind struck 
him on the head with his cudgel. With a 
grunt Jock Hay fell with his face to the ground. 
His horse reared high into the air as Rab 
Lourie tried to mount him. 

Up to this instant I had stood motionless as 
one in a dream, but the treachery of Jock’s fall 
brought the blood back into my heart. I ran 
to where Lourie was mounting, and tore him 
from the saddle as the maddened beast broke 
away riderless. 

With the man still in my arms I turned to 
look at the fight, when a sudden movement of 
Lourie brought me to a sense of my foolishness. 
I had just time to drop and strike him to the 
earth with my nieve ere a dagger glinted harm- 
lessly across my breast. 

And that was the last blow of the raid. 
Away up the hill I could hear the shouting of 
the men and the skelps of their swords on the 
beasts’ backs as they hurried them forward, and 
even that died away as I listened. 

Near me our men stood motionless looking 


22 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 


at the body of their dead comrade, some with 
their whingers out, others with them only half 
drawn, and one with a smoking pistol in his 
hand. As if in an evil dream of the night, 
when reason and volition are arrested, they 
stood and gazed at the dead body. Then one 
shuddered and let his whinger fall on the 
stones. At the clatter the spell was broken, 
and the men crept in a body together whisper- 
ing. 

Of all our horses and their loads not one 
remained. 

I went to the help of Jock Hay, but he had 
recovered, and was sitting up looking at the 
scene wonderingly. His eyes turned this way 
and that as if in search of his precious charge, 
then they fell on the dead body, and the whole 
truth came to him. With a groan he turned 
himself away, and sunk his head into his 
arms. 

Come, Jock, rouse yourself,” I said to him, 
putting a hand on his shoulder. He was 
sobbing like a child, and I wondered at him. 

Is he — is he dead ? ” he asked, but without 
a tone of hope in his voice, for even the mirk 


TREACHERY AT THE FORD. 


23 


was sufficiently light to show the fatal dark 
spot on the brow of the pale upturned face. 

I went to the body to make sure, but the 
heart had ceased to beat. 

“ Ay, he is, Jock,” I said. 

“ And I’ve to tell his mither, and his sister 
— her I was to marry the morn. Oh, but it’s 
braw news I bring to my wedding,” he moaned. 
“ ' Don’t let him come to harm, Jock,, for 
he’s my only ane,’ was what the mither said. 
‘ He’ll come to nae scaith with me, mistress,’ 
I said.” 

“ Rouse yourself, Jock, man,” I cried. 

“ And now he’s dead,” said Jock. 

“ Rouse yourself, man.” 

“ Dead ! ” he cried again, helplessly. 

“Ye canna help that,” I said. 

“ Dead ! ” he muttered again, as though I had 
not spoken. “ And I’ve to tell his mither.” 

“ And will ye tell her that ye let his murderer 
go unharmed, Jock Hay ? ” I cried to rouse 
him. “ Will ye tell her that ye lay and grat 
while he rode off unskaithed ! There’s that to 
look to yet.” 

He lay still for a moment, his breath in- 


24 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 

drawing in long sobs; then he rose, quiet and 
determined. 

“ Ye’re richt, Duras, there’s that to look to 
yet.” 

He tried to walk towards the men, but 
staggered so hopelessly that he was compelled 
to sit down on the grass. 

“ This clout on the head has made me 
weanly,” he muttered in apology, of his weak- 
ness. “ Oh, let me think,” he added, taking 
hold of his hair with both hands and staring 
into the night. 

“ What’s that moving ? ” he cried, as his 
sharp eyes caught something that mine missed. 

“ It’ll be Rab Lourie,” I said. 

“ Catch him, lads ! ” Jock cried to the men, 
and at the cry the figure that was barely to be 
seen creeping rose, and began to run. But the 
blow of my fist must have been no light one, for 
the men easily overtook Lourie, and brought 
him back to where Jock sat thinking. 

“ This is an evil turn ye’ve played on me, 
Rab Lourie,” said Jock, without heat, even 
absently, as though his mind was full of some- 
thing else. 7 


TREACHERY AT THE FORD. 


25 


“ Aye, ane’s in need o’ a lang spoon when he 
sups wi’ the deil,” said Rab Lourie, recklessly, 
for the men’s murdersome faces gave him little 
hope of coming off with his life. 

At his words the men turned, and would 
have rent him limb from limb had not Jock 
restrained them. 

“ Let him be, lads, let him be; and oh, let 
me have quiet to think, for the time’s short.” 
He sat silent for a minute, then he rose, and 
his face was hard set. 

“ Rab Lourie, God have mercy on your soul 
this nicht. By your treachery ye have cost us 
a life o’ a bonny lad, and all our goods. Your 
life’s no sufficient to pay for the bluid that’s 
been spilt. Traitor ance, ye can be traitor 
twice. Ye have betrayed us, and, by God ! ye 
shall betray them.” 

“ Ay,” said Rab Lourie, “ and how will ye 
manage that ? ” 

“ Ye’ve said that ane needs a lang spoon 
when he sups with the deil, Rab. Weel, I’ve 
got a baud o’ that same spoon, and good-bye to 
conscience,” said Jock Hay. “ Have ye bound 
him weel, lads ? ” 


26 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 


We have that, Jock/’ 

Robin, Allan, and Delap, tak’ him round 

the corner beyond the hill, and ” Jock 

whispered the rest into their ears, so that I 
could not hear. But I saw the men start back 
from him, only to settle down again as he said 
some other words that brought back the look 
of fury to their generally stolid faces. When 
he had finished they turned to Lourie, and, 
lifting him with small tenderness, disappeared 
into the darkness. 

Jock stood with his arm on .my shoulder as 
we waited. There was no talk among the men, 
and only the wind in gusty swirls broke the 
silence. For a minute or two it was thus, and 
then a cry as from a soul in torment came to 
my ears. The cry was succeeded by another, 
and then a third. I shuddered to my very 
marrow, and the men around me flung their 
hands to their ears. Only Jock stood unmoved. 

For God’s sake, what is it, Jock ? ” 

A cry more piteous than the rest was my 
only answer, and then silence. 

'' What is it, Jock, what is it ? ” I cried, for 
the sound had driven terror into my heart. 


TREACHERY AT THE FORD. 


27 


“ Persuasion,” was his answer. 

The three men came back, bearing a limp 
body in their arms whose white face was scarce 
so pale as theirs. 

“ Did he tell ? ” cried Jock. 

The man who answered wet his lips with his 
tongue and tried to answer, but could not. 

“ Here,” said Jock, thrusting a bottle of 
spirits into his hand. The man took a long 
drink. 

“ Did he tell ? ” said Jock, impatiently. 

“ He did,” said the man. 

“ And what road were they to tak’ ? ” asked 
Jock. 

“ They were to go up the road till they came 
to three miles ayont this; then they were to 
tak’ the hill track till they joined the main road 
between Moins and Peebles.” 

“ As I thought ! ” cried Jock. “ Then we 
have a chance. Now, lads, who’ll follow me 
to revenge themselves on the loss of a comrade, 
and win back our gear and horse forbye ? I 
want nane that are no willing, but if but three 
of ye will come, Fll risk it. Duras, ye’ll 
come ? ” he added. 


28 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 


Certainly/’ I said; for if I did not recover 
my horse and saddle, and that which was in 
the saddle, I had but a weary lookout. 

One by one the men joined us, not en- 
thusiastically, but with a settled dourness that 
was better. 

Well done, lads ! ” cried Jock. Now, 
follow me, and if ye ever walked well in your 
life, walk better now.” 


CHAPTER V. 


WE LIE IN WAIT FOR THE BORDERERS. 

“ What sort of plan have you in your mind, 
Jock ? ” I asked, as we got under weigh. 

“ Let me settle it out first, Duras, and then 
I’ll tell ye. I’ve only got a darklin’ o’t yet; 
and oh ! but my brain’s thick with the clout 
I got. Peg in, lads, peg in; it’s a dreary road 
and rough we have to travel, but, by God’s 
help, we’ll win to its end.” 

A dreary road and rough it was in all con- 
science. At first it was tolerable, and we took 
it at a quick swing. Then the track narrowed, 
and Jock led the way; then it lost all sem- 
blance to even a track, widening out into a 
grievous morass, with here and there a firmer 
portion. 

The night got dark, the wind and rain bat- 
tered in our faces till we scarce could face it, 
even for a moment. Out from the clouds at 


29 


30 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 


intervals came a white blinding flash of 
lightning, with no thunder that we could 
hear. i -a 

Through it all Jock Hay held on at a good 
pace, picking his way when choice was possible, 
and when not, clearing the obstruction with an 
energy that sorely tried us to equal. After him 
we went in gallant style until we wearied and 
were heart-sick. With faces beaten down by 
the wind and rain, it soon became a mere 
blind follow-my-leader, each man only raising 
his head far enough to see the back of the 
one in front. 

A great pain arose in my side. At every 
breath I felt a knife run through and through 
me. I lost all wish to regain horse and money, 
even the thought to have revenge for the murder 
of the man failed to rouse me. Only a great 
desire to lay me down and sleep was awake in 
me. The luxury of even a minute’s rest was a 
thing to be desired above all. 

The pain in my breast grew intolerable. 
Struggling along next to Jock, I felt as if my 
next step would be my last. Again and again 
I was sure I could do no more, and again and 


WE LIE IN WAIT FOR THE BORDERERS. 31 

again did the power of Jock’s example spur 
me. 

Well I knew that if I dropped out, many 
there would be who would quickly follow my 
example. 

I could not desert him — but would he never 
stop ? His breath came in great gasps, and 
his right hand was pressed into his side, but 
still he held on. During one of the flashes 
I turned my head to see how the rest of the 
men held out. In like plight as mine own they 
were, but struggling bravely. The glitter of a 
knife caught my eye, as one of the men pricked 
Rab Lourie in the thigh to urge him to more 
speed. The flash died out, and I turned again 
to the racking struggle. 

We came to the head of the hill, and, oh ! 
but it was a relief to let ourselves slide and 
shuffle downward, never having to lift a leg 
above a foot from the ground. 

I had no breath to spare, but the pain had 
ceased in my side, and a great dam of warm 
blood seemed to have been released and sent 
coursing through my veins. I felt as if I could 
follow Jock’s back anywhere : and I was soon 


32 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 


to be tried, for in one of the fitful flashes I saw 
it plainly, but in the next it had disappeared, 
and a great gulf loomed dark beneath my feet. 
I gave a shout of warning to the men behind, 
and threw myself flat on the ground, for the 
abyss seemed to suck me into it. 

“ Come on, Duras,” I heard Jock’s voice call 
from underneath me. “ Let yourself slide on 
your belly, and cling to the turf and stanes. 
Slide, man ! ” 

“ But where, Jock ? ” I cried. 

A great shout of laughter came from below, 
and I heard Jock say, as if to himself : 

“ Duras is a coward after all. Maun I go up 
and show him the way again ? ” 

I turned on my face, edged my feet over the 
side, and giving my soul back to God, let myself 
slide. I was not urged by courage, but only by 
prudence driven out by the taunt. 

The descent was more quick than pleasant. 
Not that it seemed quick, for what with rocks 
butting me in the midriff, and my head like a 
bell with separate and numerous stones for 
tongue, an eternity appeared to scrape by me. 
Then I felt my legs jut into space, and giving 


WE LIE IN WAIT FOR THE BORDERERS. 33 

myself up for a dead man I lost all thought 
save for the idea of the crash that was to be 
my knell. 

A great hand came down on my back with a 
hearty clash. 

“ Let yourself drop, man, it’s no four feet 
deep ! Oh, Duras, but I’m glad to see ye,” 
Jock added, as I gained my feet. 

“ So am I, Jock Hay,” I managed to gasp 
out, for the wind was well-nigh driven from me. 
“ For there are some words atween me and 
you that’ll need a blood-letting to explain.” 

“ Ay,” said Jock, drolly, “ and what’ll they 
be ?” 

“ Coward and Duras,” I said. 

“ Tits, Duras,” said Jock, putting his arm 
round my shoulders. “ It was just a ruse to 
get ye here the quicker. I kent that there 
never was a Duras called a coward, but that he 
would go through hell to get an explanation. 
Well, ye couldna get an explanation without 
coming down here. So I called ‘ coward,’ and 
here ye are. Is that not good logic ? How- 
somever, if it’s no sufficient, I’m the last man 
on earth to seek to get out by a peaceable gate 


34 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 


\{ a bit play with the swords would be mair 
agreeable to ye/' 

No, no, Jock," I said. '' If ye’re sure that 
was all it need go no further." 

Well and good," said Jock, '' for we have 
little time to spare. Come on now, lads, we’ll 
catch ye. Just keep yourselves from rolling, 
and ye’re right as a trivet ! ’’ 

One by one the men joined us with much 
grumbling at their bruises, and, what pleased 
me better, deep vows to pay back tenfold on 
the Borderers what they had caused them to 
suffer. 

Rab Lourie had been sent down the slope 
first, and while the rest descended Jock had 
been attending to him. 

All Lourie’s recklessness had fled, and only 
a hideous dread filled his eyes, intensified by 
the forked lightning that now burst from the 
heavens with accompanying peals of thunder. 

I looked round to gain some idea of where 
we were. We had rolled down into a deep gut 
in the hill. Above us the hill rose bare, but, at 
the foot where we stood, was a fringe of trees. 
On the other side of the trees, the hill rose 


WE LIE IN WAIT FOR THE BORDERERS. 35 

sharply again, and, between the two, an ilt-' 
defined road ran. 

“ Is this a part of the hill track ye spoke of, 
Jock ? ” I asked. fn 

“ It is, Duras, and they maun pass through 
here. Now, lads, put dry priming into your 
pistols, and reload them.” 

“ Have you a pistol, Duras ? ” 

“ I have, Jock,” I said. 

“ Oh, it’s ane o’ the auld kind, is it ? We 
have not time to wait, nor means to light the 
match, so tak’ ane o’ mine with the wheel-lock, 
and while you’re doing that, lads. I’ll explain a 
little plan I have formed — wi’ the help of our 
friend Rab here.” 

Lourie gave a deep groan at the words, and 
Jock turned to him with a fierce oath. 

“ And look to it, Rab Lourie, that ye dinna 
depart ae word from what I’ve told ye, or by 
the Lord it’s not one death ye’ll suffer, but a 
thousand. A dagger in your false heart would 
be an easy death, but thinkna that ye’ll be let 
off so cheap as that if ye betray us in this. 

“ Now, lads, my plan is this : the horses will 
be wearied with their quick burst, and so will 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 




% he going slow, but not slow enough to mak’ 
^ your aim certain. If we could win some way 
of flatting them, and taking them unawares, it 
would be better. Whist, whist ! ” said Jock, 
suddenly. ‘‘ What’s that ? ” 

The noise of a horse slipping on stones came 
to our ears. 

In under the trees, lads, and keep quiet till 
I fire ! ” said Jock. Each select his man, and, 
oh, mak’ certain o’ him ! When I fire, all o’ 
ye fire, then forward with your whingers out, 
and strike gin ye be men, and double strike for 
the sake o’ him whose mither will mourn him 
sae sair.” 

We ran in under the trees that adjoined the 
track, and Jock, picking Lourie up in his arms, 
went a little further on, and there lay down. 



CHAPTER VI. 

WE TAK’ back our AIN, OR TIT FOR TAT. 

The storm above us still increased. Flash 
after flash made the night almost as bright as 
the day. The rain came down in torrents, but 
the wind had died away. The clash-clash, as 
the heavy drops whipped the earth, and the roar 
of the thunder made the drums of my ears birl, 
as I listened eagerly for a sign of the Borderers’ 
approach. 

Almost as soon as I heard the noise of their 
horses’ hoofs, I caught a momentary glimpse of 
them. The beasts they rode or led seemed 
tired and fettleless after their quick outburst, 
and plodded along the rough path sullenly. 
The men themselves were riding at their ease, 
and in great spirits. A continual laugh seemed 
to be with them, as with merry jest and prank 
they came opposite to where we were stationed. 

Of a sudden the cry of a hawk, thrice 

37 


38 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 


repeated in rapid succession, broke out above 
the tumult of the storm. The Borderers drew 
rein; and glanced at each other in bewilderment. 
Then the leader threw up his hand to enjoin 
silence, and from among them a single answering 
whoop came. Again the other cry resounded 
from under the trees. 

“ Who’s there ? ” cried the leader of the 
Borderers. 

“ Rab Lourie,” came back the reply. 

The men at the name relaxed their strained 
attitudes, and the leader asked with a great 
oath ; 

“ Why do you not come to us, then ? ” 

“I canna,” cried Lourie; “I’ve strained my 
foot in tumbling doon this dagont gut. Come 
and set me up on a horse, for God’s sake ! ” 

The men gathered close together, and I 
heard one of them say : 

“ Leave the bastard where he is. He’s none 
of us, and if we bring him, it means so much 
less among the rest.” 

“ Ay, but,” said their leader, “ he might come 
in useful again. Besides, if we left him here, he 
might round on us and do us a mischief,” 


WE TAK’ BACK OUR AIN. 39 

“ Leave him here,” said the first; “ there’s 
few folks pass this way. There’s little chance 
of his ever living long enough to do ns a 
mischief, that is if he’s as bad as he says.” 

“ Come on,” cried Rab Lourie, “ ye wouldna 
desert a man like this ! ” 

“We micht as well see for ourselves what 
he’s like,” said the leader. “ If he’s so bad, 
then he’ll be waur; if he’s capable of moving, 
then we maun tak’ him wi’ us.” 

In a body they advanced closer to where the 
noise had come from, and in doing so came 
alongside us till they were within ten paces of 
the trees. 

“ Are ye there, Rab ? ” cried the leader, 
halting, and his men doing likewise. 

“ Now, lads ! ” cried Jock Hay’s voice in 
reply, accompanied by the report of his 
pistol. 

I just caught a glimpse of the leader falling 
from his saddle, ere I took my own aim and 
fired at the second man. On either hand of 
me the pistols of our men went off, as I rushed 
out into the open, sword in hand. 

My opponent had drawn his sword, and was 


40 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 


unharmed. I went towards him, and coming 
level with his horse, hit it with my weapon 
over the nostrils. The rider struck at me, but, 
his horse rearing, his blow passed over my 
head. 

The fever of fighting was upon me as I 
rushed in and drove my sword upward with 
my whole strength. It pierced him in the 
side, and buried itself for a foot or so in his 
body. He gave a short, sharp gasp; then, with 
a hiccough, fell limply towards me. I freed 
my weapon, and pulled him from the saddle. 
Mounting hurriedly the rearing horse, I seized 
the reins, but felt them slip in my hands. A 
warm, slimy substance was on my fingers and 
palm, and I cleansed them on the horse’s 
mane. Not till long afterwards did I think 
that it was blood that was on my hands — and 
my first blood, too. 

In the gleams of the lightning the fight 
appeared like a series of jerky scenes. At 
one moment I saw three men surround a horse- 
man, who was laying about him gaily; then 
darkness, and at the next I saw an empty 
saddle, and one of our men climbing therein. 


WE TAK’ BACK OUR AIN. 


41 


In like manner was my next encounter. 
During a spell of darkness a horse drove up 
against me. I felt the whizz of a blade by my 
side. Then the light came, and I only raised 
a guard in time to save my head, as the 
Borderer ran his horse past me. Wheeling 
round my beast, I made after him. In a few 
yards I was alongside of him and had raised 
my blade to strike, when the light died out. 
My horse swerved from the other, and though 
ignorant of the path, in my fury I urged him 
on. Leaning over the bow of my saddle, I 
tried to descry my man; but with eyes dazzled 
by the former light, I might as well have 
looked into the pit itself. 

Then a sharp gleam came, and I saw him 
three lengths in front of me. I pricked my 
horse to renewed efiort, and with a desperate 
bound the willing animal tried to answer me. 
I felt myself getting near; in another bound I 
touched his horse’s haunches with my hand. I 
raised my sword. Would the light never 
come ? My horse’s head hung heavy on my 
hand; I felt him stagger beneath me. Would 
I wait for the light and make sure work, 


42 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 


running the risk of being outpaced, or would I 
strike in the dark ? 

Another stumble of my mount decided me. 
I lifted him onwards for a pace or two, then 
struck, throwing all my might into the blow. 

A slight resistance met my blade, and then 
came a stronger that jarred and strained my 
wrist fearfully. 

I pulled my sword in to me, and it became free. 

The light came at last, and far in front, 
relieved of a weight, a riderless horse ran wild. 
I looked down at the horse I bestrode, and 
found it was my own nag, that had been taken 
from me in the raid. With fingers, urged only 
by a hesitating and dreading will, I threw 
myself to one side in the saddle and felt under 
the other for the precious packing. Thank 
Heaven, it was there ! and with a light heart 
I rode back to where the assault had com- 
menced. 

The fight was over, and, as if in response to 
the human peace, the storm began to subside. 

“ How has the fight gone, Jock ? ” I cried to 
him. 

“ Grandly, man, grandly ! ” he replied, 


WE TAK’ BACK OUR AIN. 


43 


joyously; “ on our side, three wounded, none 
seriously. On theirs, four dead and four 
escaped.” 

“ And the lead, Jock, and horses ? ” 

“ They’re all recovered — see over there ! 
That’s the men tightening the girths for a new 
start; but the journey will be a slow one, I sair 
misdoubt, for the horses have been bucketed 
shamefully.” 

I caught sight for a moment of the men, 
with whingers sheathed, going quietly about 
their business — sorting a pack there, quieting a 
horse here — and I could scarcely believe the 
scene of bloody fray had been transformed so 
soon into one of peace and industry. 

I looked to where I had met my first opponent, 
and thought I saw a figure creeping; but the 
light was so fitful and sudden, that I could not 
make sure. However, my doubts were removed 
by the next flash, for the man rose painfully to 
his feet and lurched forward for a few yards, 
then fell. I argued in my mind whether I 
should tell Jock of this or not, but at length 
determined to give the man his chance. 
Enough killing had been done already. A 


44 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 


reaction from my fury had come to me, and I 
shuddered at the thought of more blood being 
shed. 

When the next gleam lighted up the scene 
I saw that the man had been creeping steadily 
onward to the point where Jock and Lourie 
had lain when the Borderers had come to them, 
and I wondered slightly why he did not choose 
the covert close to his right hand rather than 
toil towards that other point. The next flash 
was long in coming and the poor fellow had 
nearly reached the trees. And none too soon, 
for scarcely could he move more than a foot at 
a time, despite his enormous exertions. Ere 
the darkness again fell a wild cry rang out into 
the air. 

'' What’s that, Jock ? ” I cried. It comes 
from away on your right hand. Did you have 
anybody there ? ” 

Rab Lourie ! ” Jock cried back to me. 

What can be wrong with him ? ” 

What proved to be the tail of the storm came 
in the shape of a long gleam of white light, 
enduring for as long as the heart could beat 
twenty times. 


fVE TAK’ BACK OUR AIN. 


45 


I saw the man rise to his feet and take three 
steps to where Lourie lay bound hand and 
foot. Lourie’s face, upturned, was fixed in the 
grip of a great terror. I would have rushed to 
his help had not Jock held me in a firm 
embrace. 

“ Steady, lad ! ” he cried in my ear. 

The man had reached Lourie and took a 
dagger from his belt. A shrill squeal came 
from Lourie’s lips, like a rabbit’s cry when the 
weasel springs. 

The man staggered and fell on the top of 
Lourie, and I thought death had come to him 
sooner than his revenge; but I was mistaken, 
for three times he raised the dagger, and three 
times he drave it into Lourie’s heart. Then 
all again was darkness. 

“ And so die all traitors ! ” roared Jock Hay’s 
voice, but with a sob at the end of it that told 
how much even his heart had been tried by the 
awful scene. 


CHAPTER VIL 


JOCK HAY GETS MY AID IN A PAINFUL 
BUSINESS. 

Next morning I awoke sore and stiff in all 
my bones. Fain would I have turned round 
in my bed and gone to sleep again, but Jock 
Hay came into my chamber and said my desire 
nay. 

Well, Duras, how’s all wi’ ye this morning?” 
he asked. 

But middling, Jock,” I answered; I feel 
mair like a basted hen than an ordinary mortal. 
Ye dinna look very pleased yersel’.” 

‘‘ Pleased ? ” cried he. “ Little cause have I 
to be pleased. Oh, but it’s a bonnie marriage 
morning this for me ! Bonnie, bonnie news I 
bring for a fairing to my sweetheart ! The best 
are taken and mithers mourn — for the matter 
of that, it wouldna matter though if it had 
been the worst, mithers would have mourned 

46 


JOCK HAY GETS MY AID. 


47 


as sair. But for him — him, the brightest, 
livesomest lad — to be doomed at his best is 
mair than I can stand.” 

“ Jock, Jock, ye must quiet yersel’ a bit,” I 
said. “ To a man like you, death shouldna 
come a stranger till you or your comrades. 
You must not tak’ on sae sair about it. Could 
ye have helped it, then ye might well mourn 
uncomforted, but this was no fault of yours.” 

“ I should have guarded against it ! ” cried 
Jock. “ I’ve failed in my trust to his mither ! ” 

“ Had ye been Providence, Jock,” I said, 
“ ye might have prevented it, but not unless.” 

“ It’s easy for you to speak, Duras, but ye 
have not to face a woman who asks for her son 
— a sister who asks for her brother. I have to 
say till them, ‘ I’m sorry; but he’s dead. It 
was no fault of mine.’ ‘ And where were ye ? ’ 
they would ask. ‘ Standing, looking on,’ would 
be all that I could say. No, no, Duras, it’s 
easy for you to try and comfort me by saying 
it was no fault of mine, but ye have not to face 
them who mourn. Do you think that they, 
fair wild with the loss of their lad, would 
hearken to me ? ” 


48 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 


“ I would mak’ them, Jock,” I said. “ The 
dead we canna help, though we can be sair- 
hearted at their death; but the living deserve 
some aid.” 

“ It’s little thoucht they’ll give to the living,” 
said Jock, mournfully. 

“ And that’s what ye want to change, Jock ? ” 
I answered. “ As I tak’ it, ye think this mis- 
chance will tak’ your wife that was to be away 
from ye. Weel, to avoid that, above all dinna 
let them brood for a moment on the idea that 
ye should have saved him, or ye’re a lost man; 
for if a woman once gets an idea into her head, 
it requires mair than mortal power to get it out.” 

“ The theory’s guid enough, Duras,” said 
Jock, hopelessly; “ but how to win at it is mair 
than I ken. Now, if some ane like you would 
bide wi’ me and speak up for me, they might 
listen.” 

“ D’ye mean ye would like my company, 
Jock ? ” I asked, rather ruefully; for, like all 
men, I dread a scene. 

“ Of course, that’s rather much to ask, 
Duras,” said Jock, meekly; “ but it’s what I’d 
like.” 


JOCK HAY GETS MY AW. 


49 


“ If ye think it would do any good, Jock ? ” 
I said, hesitatingly. 

“All the good in the world, man,” cried 
Jock; “ for, tho’ I say it myself. I’m naturally 
tongue-tied if I’ve to shout my ain praises. 
Aside a bit lass, and alone, it’s different of 
course, but I ken fine that in a case like this 
I would have no more speech than a stuck pig. 
For man’s anger I don’t care a damn, but a 
woman’s tears mak’ me as weakly as a bairn.” 

“ Then I’ll come, Jock,” I said. 

“ Oh, man, Duras,” said Jock, his face 
losing its sad look and becoming radiant for a 
moment, “ I liked ye fine to start with, and 
ye’ve grown on me, till now I love ye like a 
brither;” and he gave me a hug that well-nigh 
cracked my ribs. 

“ Ca’ canny, Jock,” I cried, “ ye’re no over 
tender to your brither, if this is a sample of 
your love.” 

In a little our horses were brought round, 
and we took the road once more, minus three 
men. One of these had to lie in Kaldar on 
account of his wound, which was more in- 
conveniently placed than serious; the other 


50 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 


two had gone back to bring the body of the 
dead man, Walter Andrews, home to his 
mother’s house. 

We were but a silent company. Now and 
again one of the men would try a jest in a moment 
of light-heartedness; but so little laughter was 
the result, that it only seemed to intensify the 
sadness. We sorely missed the merry song 
that the lad had raised on the preceding day, 
with a lilt of gladness and life in it that had 
been wonderfully enlivening. 

We passed by Edinburgh at noonday; and 
without stopping anywhere, except once to bait 
the horses, we arrived at Leith well on in the 
afternoon. 

Jock delivered his charge over to the servants 
of Foulis, the silversmith, and left the story to be 
told by the men. We stabled our horses, and 
walked quickly to the house where the An- 
drewses stayed. As we drew near Jock’s pace 
slackened, and once indeed he fairly halted, with- 
out caring even to disguise his quivering mouth. 

“ The Lord help me,” he muttered. 

“ Amen, Jock,” I said, “ but let us get it 
over.” 


JOCK HAY GETS MY AID. 


51 


We mounted the stairs and entered the 
house. Mother and daughter rose from the 
seat at the window, and Mirren, the daughter, 
came up to Jock with a shy, winsome manner 
that took my heart. She gave the least bit 
glance at me askance, then crept to his side, 
and held up her mouth to be kissed. Jock 
bent his head to the salute, then suddenly 
straightened himself up and gently put her 
from him. 

“Ye ken, Mirren,” he said, in a hoarse, 
strained voice, “ how I longed for that same 
kiss, but there is something to be said afore I 
can tak’ it freely.” 

“ Jock, Jock,” said Mirren, “ what’s wrong ? ” 

“ I took your son from you. Mistress 
Andrews,” said Jock slowly, then paused. 

“Ye did, Jock,” said she; “ have ye ta’en guid 
care o’ him ? — for he’s my only ane, and I’m a 
widow.” 

“ I took your son from ye,” said Jock again; 
then stopped and cried to me, “Tell her, 
Duras; I cannot.” 

I began to speak, but the mother rose up 
from her seat and interrupted me. 


52 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 


“Your pardon, sir, but I kenna ye. It’s 
with Jock Hay I have to deal. He it was who 
took him from me with fair promises, and he 
it is from whom I ask an account. Jock Hay, 
what have ye done with my son ? ” 

Jock bent his head for a moment, then 
looked her in the face. 

“ Mistress Andrews, I took your son from 
ye, and God has taken him from me.” 

“ Dead !” she cried, standing stiffly on her feet. 

“ Dead,” said Jock, quietly. 

She raised both her hands to her eyes, and 
seemed to clear a mist from them, then her 
face hardened as I never thought such a sweet 
face could. 

“ Jock Hay, ye have ta’en from me that 
which was dearest, and broken your promises. 
For one pain of his may ye have one thousand, 
for his death may ” 

“ Oh, mither, mither, dinna curse him — for 
he was to be my husband this very nicht,” 
said Mirren, running to her and pressing the 
mother’s mouth to her breast. 

For a moment they stood thus; then Mirren’s 
voice rang out with a great wail : 


JOCK HAY GETS MY AID. 


S3 


“ Oh, God, tak’ me too ! Brither and 
man to be lost in ae day ! Why am I 
left ? ” 

Then her body was racked with dry, hard 
sobs, that were to be strangely disquieting. 

“ Oh, wheesht ye; wheesht ye, my bairn,” 
crooned the mother, taking her daughter to 
her arms. 

Jock stood with a stolid look on his face, 
quiet and firm, but his hands were closed and 
gripped so tight that the nails drew blood. At 
last he stepped forward. 

“ Listen to me, Mirren, and you too, Mrs. 
Andrews. Baith of ye should ken weel that I 
would have gi’en my life for his ony day; and 
God do so to me, and more also, if I could 
have shielded his life at the expense of my 
own and did not.” 

Mirren’s sobs abated a little, and the two 
women turned round to Jock and waited side 
by side for his next words. 

“ Will ye hear how it happened ? ” he asked; 
and when they had bowed their heads in reply, 
he told them all. 

When he had finished the mother sank into 


54 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 


a chair and buried her face in her hands, but 
never a sob came from her. 

Now, Mirren,” said Jock, '' I have told you 
all. Richt weel ye ken how I love ye; but if 
what has happened would mak’ the sight of 
me a sorrow ever after till ye, say the word, 
and Scotland disna hold me after the morn. I 
loved him baith for your sake and his ain. If 
ye love me still, and can forgive me of ought 
that I am to blame in, come to me, for not one 
foot will I stir to coax you in your swither.” 

The maid’s eyes were blinded with tears as 
she took a look at her mother, then made one 
feeble, blind step in Jock’s direction. 

And he broke through his resolution at once, 
for at that faint sign Jock took two quick steps 
to her, and clasped her in his arms. 

'' Thank God ! ” I heard him mutter, as I 
turned my back to them. 

When I looked round again, Jock had knelt 
at Mrs. Andrews’ feet, and the maid with him. 

Oh, mither, listen till him,” said the maid, 
softly. 

Mistress Andrews, I made ye a promise — a 
promise I tried to keep; but God keeps the 


JOCK HAY GETS MY AID. 55 

ruling in His ain hands. Doubtna that Walter 
is ta’en to fill a higher place than what earth 
could have offered him. In a manner, I have 
cost ye the life of your son, but in its place I 
offer ye my own. Let me be as a son to ye.” 

“ Oh, listen till him, mither ! ” again pleaded 
the daughter. 

But the mother replied not. 

“ I ken I’ll no fill his place in your heart,” 
said Jock, “ but, oh ! I’ll try hard. For the 
Lord’s sake, be merciful, for my heart is as 
near breaking as your ain.” 

“ Oh, answer, mither ! ” cried the maid. 

She sat in the same unchanged position; her 
arms lying along the chair-arm, and her face 
resting on them. They waited in silence for a 
minute on her answer, but it came not, and 
then they came to know the reason of her 
silence. 

Jock was wrong in saying his heart was as 
near broken as was hers, for the mother’s heart 
had broken long before, and her soul had fled 
to rejoin her son’s. 


CHAPTER VIII. 


A STORMY INTRODUCTION. 

I WAS compelled to stay in Leith for three 
days, to follow to their burials the mother and 
son. It was a sad, weary time for all, and, oh ! 
but I pitied Jock Hay. 

He came down to the quay-side to bid me 
farewell a little while before the boat sailed 
that was to take me to Anstruther. 

“ Oh ! man, Duras,” he said, pressing my 
hand, “ ye’ve been a grand chance acquaintance 
to me, and sorry I am we maun twine.” 

“ Nay, nay, Jock,” I said, as sorry as he, but 
more heartsome; “the twining’s no for ever.” 

“ It’s well seen you’re in your youth, lad,” 
he said : “ many’s the time I heard the same 
story — ‘ It’s no for ever;’ but somehow the 
years drift by. Ye weary for the face, but 
wearying does not bring it the nearer. Syne 
ye tire of wearying. It’s a bad thing to wrestle 

56 


A STORMY INTRODUCTION. 


57 


with time. Ye grip brave and bonnie at the 
first — but it’s the finish that tells. Easy-osy, 
ye get laid on the braid of your back, and the 
turf grows green above your head.” 

“ Hoots, Jock ! ” I cried, “ it’s a patient turf 
that waits till ye nourish it. What’s all the 
outcry about ? ” 

“ No much, lad,” said Jock ; “ no much to 
you, but a lot to me. Ye think that guid com- 
rades are as plentiful as blackberries in summer 
— I ken how scarce they are.” 

“ Weel, but, Jock, we’ll see ane anither 
whiles,” I said, heartily. 

“ Maybe, maybe, Duras,” said Jock, doubt- 
fully, “ but one thing I would like ye to 
promise. If ever ye are in need of a friend 
who’ll back ye up with purse (such as it is), 
sword, or life, will ye come to me ? ” 

“ And who else would I come to, Jock ? ” 
I cried. 

“ Seriously though, Duras ? ” Jock yelled, as 
the boat was being drawn out. 

“ Ay, seriously, Jock,” I shouted in reply. 
“ If ever I should be in need of such an one. I’ll 
mind ye of your promise.” 


58 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 


'' And ril no need much minding/’ were 
Jock’s last words. 

There was nothing eventful happened on the 
voyage. Favoured with a south-easterly wind 
and a smooth sea, we drove pleasantly along, 
and ere night had sighted May Island. 

When we arrived it was too late to go ashore, 
so I slept all night on board; and next morning, 
with my precious wallet heavier by the price of 
my horse which I had sold in Leith, I slipped 
on shore and began to make my way to Simon 
Carter’s house. Asking a m.an of the town 
the direction, I found that Simon Carter was 
well known, being a Bailie of Anstruther, and 
owner of the chief business in the Port, at 
the which I was somewhat discomposed; but, 
plucking up heart, I continued my way and got 
to the house. 

It was a house of three stories, large and 
commodious, the lower part of which was used 
as the offices of his trade, and the upper as his 
dwelling-house. 

Getting hold of one of the lads I asked for 
his master, and got for an answer that he was 
in the dwelling-house. So, entering by the 


A STORMY INTRODUCTION. 


59 


private door, I mounted the stairs and knocked. 
The maid-servant who answered showed me 
into the eating-room, where I found Simon 
Carter by himself. He was a little man and 
lean, with hair and beard that were showing 
more grey than black. The eyebrows were 
thick and straight over the piercing grey eyes, 
and what could be seen of his mouth through 
the beard was thin and determined. 

He finished jotting down some figures in a 
book before he looked up; then he flung at me 
a quick glance, and said, sharply : 

Well ? ’’ 

This was not exactly encouraging, and added 
to what I saw of the man, it made me like him 
less and less. Some food was on the table 
before him; and before I had replied, he lifted 
up a knife and began to eat. 

'' My name is David Duras,” I said. 

He looked up from his meat with wrinkling 
brows, as though trying to recollect the name, 
then he said : 

Well ? ” 

My anger was rising rapidly, but I forced 
myself to continue. 


6o 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 


My father married a cousin of yours/’ I 
said, shortly. 

He continued eating for a little, then said : 

Did he ? What was her name ? ” 

‘‘ Janet Ogilvie.” 

Oh, I ken ye noo,” he replied; ‘Eye’ll be a son 
of Duras of that estate in Clydesdale. By that 
way o’t, we’ll be some kind o’ relation. Sit doon.” 

I took one of the stools from under the table 
and sat down. 

Your father’s dead, I heard,” he said, 
munching steadily on. • 

Ay,” I replied. 

And how is your mother ? ” he asked, care- 
lessly. 

She’s dead, too,” I said, shortly. 

He looked up with the first sign of interest 
in his face since our meeting. 

Dead ! ” he said to himself, musingly, 
Janet Ogilvie dead ? Poor lassie ! The folks 
envied her when she got Duras to wed, but 
there was little to envy in her catch. So ye’ll 
be heir to the Duras estate, young man, since 
ye’re the only child of the marriage I’ve heard 
of,” he added,^ continuing his meal. 


A STORMY INTRODUCTION. 


6i 


“ Ay,” I said; “ but a small enough estate.” 

“ Ay,” he replied, “ yer father made a sair 
hash o’t.” I 

I flushed up at this careless and cruel men- 
tion of my father, but went on steadily, keeping 
down my gorge : 

“ Ye’ll maybe no have mind o’t, Maister Car- 
ter, but on a visit to our house I was brought 
down to see ye ere ye started in the morning.” 

“ 1 have some recollection of a swatch of 
flannel being showed me till admire,” he said. 

“ Well,” I said, “ ye probably have less 
recollection of anything that was said on that 
occasion.” 

“ I have mind of some hard words,” he said, 
“ but what gave rise to them I canna say. 
Have they anything to do with this visit of 
yours ? ” 

“ They have,” I replied, “ for at that time ye 
advised my mother to put me till an honest 
trade. I’ve come to you to ask your help in 
that same.” 

“ Advice is cheap, Duras, but help is differ- 
ent.” ] 

“ I ken that,” I said. 


62 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 


There’s some,” he went on, that are 
prodigal with advice, and niggardly of help.” 

And the question is, Maister Carter,” I said, 
are ye of them ? ” 

And the answer is, Duras — it depends.” 

Depends on what ? ” I asked. 

'' Depends on many a thing,” he said slowly. 
First of all, ye asked me for help to get into 
an honest trade. Well, that means, to get into 
mine, flatly, for if ye arena guid enouch for me, 
Fm no ane to pass ye off on my neighbour. 
Ye’ll agree wi’ me sae far ? ” 

Ay,” I said. 

Now, the next question is — Are ye guid 
enouch for me ? ” 

And the answer to that, Maister Carter ? ” 
I asked, as he paused. 

Is no sae easy, Duras,” he said. ‘‘Ye see, 
it’s like this. I would be glad to help a son of 
Janet Ogilvie’s, but I’m loth to saddle myself 
with ane I ken nothing aboot.” 

“ But, suppose I only ask ye to try me ? ” I 
asked. 

“ Nay, nay, Duras,” he answered, “ I ken 
these trials. They’re either mak’ a spoon or 


A STORMY INTRODUCTION. 


63 


spoil a horn. It's all very well if it's the 
former, but if it's the latter ye have the spoiled 
horn on your hands for ever after — and spoiled 
horns are a thing I have no use for. Now the 
next question to settle is — Are ye in a fair way 
to mak' a spoon ? I ken nothing about yourself, 
but of your forbears I do to my cost." 

An' how'll that be, Maister Carter ? " I 
asked, hotly. 

''Your father borrowed money of me, and 
for Jane Ogilvie's sake I lent it." 

" And got paid back ? " I said. 

" Ay," he replied, " but when ? two months 
after date, and during those two months I 
would have given my promise to* pay a pound 
for ten shillings of money in my hand. During 
those two months I worked heaven and earth 
to keep my nose above water. A time, David 
Duras, that I'll never forget, and ane that I'll 
be cautious never to lay myself open to again. 
Now, that being so, and judging ye by your 
forbears, Duras, am I entitled to think ye're 
different ? Your father was a fool and " 

" What ? " I cried. 

" Your father was a fool," he went on. 


64 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 


I’ll allow no man to say that to his son ! ” I 
cried. 

That disna mak’ him any lesser fool,” he 
said, quietly. 

I warn ye, Maister Carter, that I’ll nO' stand 
any more of that,” I said, rising. 

Ye’ve thrown yourself open to it,” he said, 
and went on as though I had not spoken, And 
so your father being a fool ” 

By God, ye’ll repent these words ! ” I cried 
madly, catching up the stool, and raising it to 
fell him to the earth. He stood up too, holding 
the knife he had used for eating daggerwise in 
his hand. 

Take those words back ! ” I panted, the 
stool quivering in my grasp. 

“ They’re the truth,” he said, watching me 
like a cat. 

I took one step forward, when the door 
opened and a vision of beauty appeared. A 
wee tiny figure of a maid of eighteen years, 
with luxuriant black hair and sweet rounded 
features, whose olive skin gave them character 
with a delicacy as of a rare cut cameo. She 
stood looking wonderingly at us. The stool 


A STORMY INTRODUCTION. 65 

gradually sank with my nerveless arms, and 
Simon Carter let his knife fall on the table. 

“ This is my daughter, Duras,” he said 
quietly, as though nothing had happened. 
“ Rose, this is your half-cousin, David Duras, 
who’ll bide with us a day or two, and who’ll 
maybe tak’ up his residence with us for guid. 
Give him welcome. Rose,” he said, as she 
stood motionless. 

She came up to me, and as I bent to salute 
her cheek, she whispered in my ear : 

“ Kiss, but I’ll aye mind this against ye. 
Cousin David ! ” 


CHAPTER IX. 


MY COUSIN ROSE. 

Now/’ I thought to myself, this is the 
end of any hope of learning an honest trade with 
Simon Carter.” 

I sat down on my stool and waited, taking 
stock of the father and the daughter. In 
every man’s heart — no matter how much his 
exterior may make the fact seem improbable 
— there lies a reverence or a love. Hidden 
carefully, and guarded jealously, lest the touch 
of the commonplace may defile the sacredness, 
as it may be, now and again the watch is 
relaxed and the secret ideal breathes and lives 
in common with the man. 

In Simon Carter’s heart his daughter held 
chief place. One could read it in every action 
and look of the man; and plenty of time was 
given for the reading, for they were in no haste 
to terminate their whispering conversation. 


MY COUSIN ROSE. 


67 


Perched on the arm of her father’s chair, 
Rose listened while he spoke. I could not 
hear the words, but judged them to be about 
myself from the frequent sidelong contemptu- 
ous glances the maid flung at me. They did 
not lend any happiness to my already miserable 
mind, but withal I could not find it in my 
heart to be angry with the maid. It was not 
an attitude that would tend to bring me into 
favour with her, this threatening of her father; 
and the less so, because she returned in full 
measure the great love her father bore her. 
Indeed, in my own mind, I could not think of 
a less favourable introduction. I sat steadily, 
enduring my fate and her glances. If I could 
not be tactful, I at least could be dour; but for 
pure, nerveless misery, I would be hard put to 
sit a half-hour of greater agony than that in 
which they talked and waited. 

At last Simon Carter stopped of a sudden 
the whisper by saying aloud : 

“ But, Rose, we’re forgetting our guest.” 

At this they both rose, and he added : 

“ Perhaps Duras will take a bit of dinner 
with us.” 


68 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 


“ Havena ye had yours, father ? ” cried Rose. 

“ In part only,” said Simon, with the vestige 
of a smile. “Ye see, it was interrupted a wee 
bit.” 

I flushed dark at that, and said impulsively : 

“ Ye’ll perhaps allow me to mak’ the observe, 
Maister Carter, that I’m sorry for what has 
passed.” 

“ Hold your peace, lad,” Simon cried quickly, 
“ and dinna lessen in my mind the only good 
I’ve seen in ye as yet.” 

“ Good ! ” cried Rose, flinging her nose into 
the air in an attitude which in others would 
have been vulgar, but which in her seemed only 
piquant. 

“ Ay, good. Rose,” said Simon to her, “ for 
it’s good in a son to uphold his parent through 
good and ill report. And there’s no doubt, 
Duras, I was a bit hard on your father.” 

I began to pluck up a little heart at this, for 
I saw that if he was severe he was just, and 
what he had said was, for him, an apology. I 
looked at Rose, thinking to see in her face a 
lightening of her displeasure to me, but I found 
it only the darker. Fool that I was, I might 


MY COUSIN ROSE. 


69 


have known that an apology drawn from her 
father would weigh a thousand times heavier 
in the balance of her feelings than a blink of 
happiness to me. 

At dinner the talk was dreich enough till 
Rose, wearying of it doubtless, leaned across 
to me, and with what I thought a pretty 
assumption of knowledge, asked : 

“ And what’ll be the price of wheat this 
year ? ” 

“ Now,” thinks I, “ the cloud is lifting,” and 
so I answered in great good heart : 

“ Eight pound the boll, and aitmeal the 
same, but ye can get corn at five. Dear, dear 
price it is, but nothing to what it has been in a 
worse year. Twelve years syne, the malt was 
selling at fio the boll and aits at £12;” and I 
went on, with some spirit, to give her a state- 
ment of the dearest prices that I had heard of. 

After the silence, the subject was enticing, 
and I went into it very minutely, encouraged 
by her attentive looks. But suddenly she gave 
a. yawn behind her hand, and said to her 
father : 

“ Eh, father, if the grain was as heavy in 


70 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 


the measure as the sermon, faith, but the folk 
would have weight at least for their money.’’ 

Simon gave a hearty laugh at this, quieting 
somewhat suddenly when he saw my downcast 
face. 

Never gie it a thought, man,” he said. 

They need a strong bow who’ll draw a shaft 
with Rose.” 

Ye’ll have to excuse my pedantry. Mistress 
Rose,” I said to her, with heart of grace, for 
I’m of the country countrified.” 

What,” she cried, do you mean to tell 
me that ye havena lived in the town ? ” 

‘‘ Never,” I said. 

'' I can hardly believe that,” she replied, 
glancing at me in doubt. ‘‘ Ye’ve made 
frequent visits to Edinburgh anyway, or ye 
never could carry yourself as ye do.” 

I’ve never been twenty miles from home,” 
I said, complacently. 

Man, man,” she said, clicking her tongue 
in her mouth. 

Simon started up from the table coughing 
violently, but with his shoulders heaving in a 
suspicious manner. 


MY COUSIN ROSE. 


71 


“ A truce, Rose, a truce ! ” he cried. “ And 
now let’s settle this business atween you and 
me, Duras.” 

I glanced at Rose to see if she would leave 
the room, but she made no sign, and in answer 
to my look, Simon said : 

“ Rose is partner to all my business.” 

“ An ornamental partner,” I said, bowing to 
her. 

She gave me a pretty courtesy in return, then 
went for a moment to the window. 

“I have no secrets from her,” Simon said; 
and encouraged by my first effort, I thought I 
might do worse than try again. 

“ There’s nothing hidden from the angels,” 
I interjected, looking at her. 

She stood with open mouth for a moment as 
if in amazement, then crying ; 

“ My glory, father, I can stand this no 
longer ! ” made for the door. At the entrance 
she turned and said : 

“ Oh, father. I’m feart for my heart ! ” 

I was busy considering how she meant this, 
when Simon, returning to his business tone, 
spoke : 


72 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 


“ Now, Duras, let’s consider about ye enter- 
ing my trade. I want to pit things clearly 
before ye. If ye come to me, ye maun under- 
stand that our relationship and your auld family 
will count for nothing; rather against ye 
than for ye, for we’ll expect all the more 
from ye.” 

“ I’ll bear the brunt of that, Maister Carter,” 
I said. { v 

“ Good,” he replied, “ but ye should wait to 
hear what that means. For your mother’s 
sake. I’ll let ye skip the bottomnest rung of the 
ladder, and start ye in the office, though it’ll 
be some time before ye’re any guid.” 

“ I’ll tak’ no man’s charity if I can do with- 
out it, Maister Carter,” I said. “ What’s the 
bottomnest step ? ” 

“ Porter’s work,” he replied. “ That’s where 
I began, little as ye would think it from the size 
of my body.” 

“ Then there I’ll start, top,” I said, sturdily. 
“ And learn from the beginning.” 

“ Man, Duras, ye speak well,” said Simon, 
doubtfully. 

“ Ay, and I’ll do well, too,” I replied. “ I’m 


MY COUSIN ROSE. 


73 


no smart, I’ve no great knowledge, but I’ve 
got dourness in me. It’s the only thing I can 
pride myself on, Maister Carter, and ye can 
rely on’t.” 

“ Well,” he said, “ if ye accept the conditions, 
Duras, we’ll consider it settled.” 

“ I thank you, Maister Carter,” I replied, 
“ and I’ll try and give ye no reason to regret 
your kindness.” 

“ One thing,” he went on, “ ye’ll be different 
from the rest of your fellows in is, that ye’ll 
eat with Rose and me. I think this your due, 
considering that we are relations. But, mind 
ye, it’ll no serve to mak’ ye the mair welcome 
among the men.” 

“ I’ll risk any discomfort,” I replied, “ in 
return for the privilege.” 

“ Then, that’s all settled,” he said. 

“ But what about the money for apprentice- 
ship ? ” I said. 

“ Nay, nay, Duras, there never was a question 
of that between us.” 

“ But,” I said, “ it’s the custom.” 

“Well, Duras,” he replied, “ye maun just 
be content to depart from it.” 


74 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 


Then, I have a pickle siller here I would 
like to put in your hands,’' I said to him. 

Nay, nay,” he replied, '' put it in some 
other house. What I have, Duras, is all my 
own, and I would ill agree with other folks’ 
meddling.” 

'' But,” I said, '' I would meddle nane.” 

Ye must let me have my own way in this, 
Duras,” Simon answered. ‘‘ Folk say I’m a 
masterfu’ man, and I’ll no deny it. I have no 
pleasure in owning part of anything. What I 
own must be mine only. So just put your 
siller in the hands of some safe body — ^Johnston, 
the silversmith, for instance — and then come 
back and we’ll start ye at your honest trade.” 


CHAPTER X. 


I LISTEN TO HER HARP AND DREAM. 

When I look back on the first six months 
of my apprenticeship to Simon Carter, I wonder 
I won through them. Mine, indeed, was a curi- 
ous predicament. During the hours of labour 
I toiled and sweated with the porters, living their 
life and mating with them, though it went sore 
against the grain for me to do so, for they were 
but a scurvy lot. At first among them there 
was a great to-do and outcry at my taking bread 
from a hungry man’s mouth. 

“Well,” says I, “show me a man that’s 
hungrier than I am, and more willing and able 
to labour, and I’ll give up my job.” 

Thereat they produced some weedy quay 
loiterers, and so we set to work. The bargain 
was bale for me and bale for them, to be lifted 
from the deck and carried to the store. I gave 
little heed to them for the first hour, but at a 


75 


76 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 


good pace I went on with my labours. Then I 
halted for a minute to see how they had got on. 
There were four of them started ; but two 
had disappeared, while of the other two, one 
was rubbing his shoulder sorrowfully, and the 
tails of his neighbour could just be seen 
vanishing round the corner. 

Anything wrong ? I said to him — the one 
who remained. 

Oh, nothing, nothing,” he said, slowly. 
‘‘ Tm only sorry I started.” 

Ay,” I said to him, swinging a bale to my 
shoulder, “ your other job suited ye best.” 

After that the porters began to play sundry 
pranks upon me, and for a little I kept my 
temper lest I might gain a name for a rough man. 
But blocks dropping so near my head grew 
monotonous; and as I aye like Providence 
best unassisted, I took two of their heads in 
my hands and soundly cracked them together. 
After that the blocks remained in their proper 
positions. 

One night three of them waylaid me in a 
quiet street, with the intention doubtless of 
breaking my head or worse. They brought 


/ LISTEN TO HER HARP AND DREAM. 77 

their cudgels with them for that purpose. My 
hands were empty, but I felled one of them 
to the earth with my fist, and took the loan of 
his club. 

They were none so brisk at commencing the 
head-breaking after that, and when they did 
come on, it was pitiful to see their idea of 
singlestick. As it happened, I had been taught 
by auld Sandy Davidson — once a shepherd of 
ours, but now deceased, — in his time a master 
of the craft; and, being no way selfish, I 
promised the two porters a lesson, pointing out 
to them that there was some little difference 
between a windmill and the proper play. They 
seemed not very anxious to learn, but, no time 
being like the present, I insisted, and slowly 
and methodically broke both of their heads, 
with a good stroke to the bargain, for the 
edification of their minds, and the better to 
impress the lesson. It must have done some 
good, as it at least brought to them modesty, 
for I never heard mention of cudgels to me 
again. Nor of much else, to tell the truth; for 
I got the name of being a lad who was keen to 
have his own way, and had plenty of strength 


78 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 


to help in the getting thereof. In this I had 
great luck; for it is rarely that Report, with 
her many tongues, speaks so near the truth. 

“ Now,” I thought to myself, “ now that 
that collieshangie is over. I’ll be able to mak’ 
things a wee pleasanter.” 

But who ever thought on pleasure and got it 
for the first time of asking ? Not David Duras, 
at any rate, for Pleasure is a goddess very 
much like Baal — uncertain and long at meal- 
times, and fond of sleep. One may cry and 
cry, but it’s a different matter her listening, 
and latterly you give it up as a bad job, when 
all at once she will waken up and think : 

“ Dear, dear, I must have nodded. Folk 
will maybe think I have been sleeping. I 
wonder if anybody’s been crying to me ? I’ll 
just take a handful of my gifts and give them 
a scatter. They who catch will say ‘ Thank 
ye, mem while they who have cried and 
got nothing will see that they don’t deserve 
anything.” 

But, try how I liked in the house, I could 
never settle down on a secure basis of content- 
ment. Simon himself was easy enough to get 


I LISTEN TO HER HARP AND DREAM. 79 

on with outside business hours, for he looked 
at me little and said less. Indeed, I might 
have thought myself and my hopes of advance- 
ment forgotten in his mind did he not 
occasionally slide a book bearing on the trade 
into my hands, or ask a crafty question of me 
regarding any he had given to me before. 

With Rose, however, it was a different 
matter. Had she treated me as a servant of 
the house I would have been to her as such, 
making no attempt at familiarity, but keeping 
to my place. Had she treated me as such, I 
would have been content for the time. Had 
she treated me as lower than a servant, I would 
have bowed my head and done her bidding; for 
what was I but a porter ? 

But Mistress Rose had no such thought. 
When the labours of the day were over and 
we were settled down in the house she would 
lull her father to sleep on the harp, which she 
played with an adorable grace; while I, over 
my book, would watch, dreaming such sweet 
dreams. In those hours I learnt well every 
look of her face, every grace of her movements, 
every charm of her being. 


8o 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 


I loved that hour with a great love, for in it 
I could dream I was with her — with her, not 
merely in the same room, companions in body, 
but with her in soul. I grudged every minute 
that was wasted by an interruption, for in 
my dream I made out that she was playing 
to me alone. Sometimes I would talk to her 
softly, but only in fancy, and she would answer 
me in low tones, striking soft chords on the 
harp as she spoke. Sometimes I would dream 
that she left her harp, and together we went to 
the window and threw the casement open. 
Hand in hand we looked over the moonlit 
world in the sweet silence of lovers’ talk. 

Little wonder it was I loved the hour that 
brought me such sweet dreams. With the 
harp tenderly nestling into her bosom, her 
fingers wandered over the strings, straying in 
idle, tuneful measure with the heart of many 
songs in it. In her face I could read every 
feeling that stirred the wayward song. A 
touch of pathos in the eyes, and stealing over 
the room would come from the harp a sweet 
melody, with a recurring wail in it like the cry 
of a lass at a broken tryst. Or a lilt would 


/ LISTEN TO HER HARP AND DREAM. 8l 


come into her playing, and I fancied I could 
hear the wind stirring the ripe corn, with 
the sparkle ” of water in a burn near at 
hand, and her eyes would light up with seeming 
recollection. 

Though I loved that hour, I fought some- 
times against the fascination of it as dear-bought 
enjoyment, for the pain of awakening was the 
greater the more I yielded myself to it. 

Sometimes, indeed, she was gracious to me 
when the music had come to a stop, but 
generally with the end there would come a con- 
temptuous look, accompanied with a gibe. 

Sleeping yet. Cousin Davie ? ” she would 

ask. 

Dreaming would be nearer the truth. Rose.’’ 

Of what, you great booby ? Meat ? Are 
ye not satisfied yet ? ” 

Nay, Rose,” I would answer, not of that 
kind of meat, but of meat for the soul.” 

Whose soul ? ” she would demand. 

Mine, Rose.” 

Yours!” she would cry. Well, we’re 
aye learning.” 

Learning what, Rose ? ” 


82 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 


More of your anatomy, Davie.” 

Have not I a right to a soul, Rose ? ” I 
would remonstrate. 

A bonnie right ! ” she would cry. ‘‘ Get to 
your book, man, and find out if ye have a brain 
before ye begin a search for your soul.” 

And so the wrangle would continue. Once 
or twice in a month, truly when I was but in 
poor heart from much of this treatment, she 
would relax, and with heads close together we 
would pore over the same book for an hour or 
so, during which time she proved herself a 
charming companion, interrupting our reading 
with many quaint remarks and opinions that 
showed her learning and good feeling. 

But after the hour was ended I would call 
myself a fool; for what were they but the 
means of removing the armour that her con- 
tinued quips might have raised, and making 
me but a softer target for the keen shafts of 
her ridicule ? Fool though I was and knew of 
it, it was ever the same. Sulky and hurt as I 
might be, she had but to smile on me for a 
moment and the pain and ill-humour dis- 
appeared. Angered though I might be and 


I LISTEN TO HER HARP AND DREAM. 83 

stiff with resentment, I was as clay in her hands 
when it pleased her to mould me. 

I wondered at this for long enough, for I am 
by no means pliable by nature, and gradually 
it dawned upon me that I was in love with the 
maid. Thereat I went up to my chamber and 
fairly gave way to my grief, for it only needed 
a hopeless love to complete the misery that my 
affairs seemed to have fallen into. 

But when my grief had spent itself, as I 
could not rid myself of the passion, I took it 
closer into my heart and loved it for the very 
pain it gave me. 


CHAPTER XL 


THE PEST ! 

It happened about this time that, Simon 
Carter being in Flanders on his business, 
Rose and I were alone in the house. We 
were engaged in our usual occupation — 
wrangling — when one of the maids broke 
suddenly into the room, crying out that the 
Pest was in the town. Rose’s face turned 
white, and, I dare say, could I have seen mine 
own, there would not have been much differ- 
ence, for the Pest was a terrible visitor to 
entertain. It had been in Perth for fully 
two months, and at the last news was still 
raging there. At Edinburgh and St. Andrews 
also it had broken out, though not to such a 
great degree. At the first news of the out- 
break in the North the people in Anstruther 
had been sorely afraid, but gradually as day 
after day passed and we were untouched by 

84 


THE PEST ! 


85 


its dread hand, the excitement had calmed 
down. Folk followed the King’s example 
generally with regard to this trouble, declaring, 
when it was afar off, that the Pest always 
smites the sickarest such as flies it turthest 
and apprehends deepliest the peril thereof,” 
but, when it became clearly manifest that 
the Pest was at their own doors, they lost 
all their good theories and fled with the 

flightest.” 

The maid who brought the news brought also 
tidings of the outrush that had already com- 
menced from the town, and she herself de- 
manded her fee that she might be off and away 
from the terror-stricken town. 

Ye ungrateful hizzie ! ” I cried, in great 
wrath, ‘‘ is this your return for the trouble 
that Mistress Rose took with ye in nursing 
you through your illness ? It’s like the lave 
of ye — fine grateful words from your mouth ; 
but at the first occasion to put them in practice 
— where are ye ? ” 

Oh, but, Duras, it’s sic a terrible thing ! ” 
cried the lass. I love my mistress dearly, 
but ” 


86 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 


Ye dinna care what becomes of her as long 
as ye’re safe. Is that it ? ” 

I’m feart to dee ! ” she cried. 

And well ye might,” quoth I. 

‘‘ Dinna be so hard on the lassie, Davie,” said 
Rose, softly, putting her hand on the maid’s 
shoulder and soothing her ; ‘‘ she’s only a 
woman, taking her example, I have no doubt, 
off them that should have set her a better. 
Wheesht now, Jean, ye’ll win away the morn’s 
morning. Just go quietly up to your bed and 
lie down, say a bit prayer, and, toots, the Pest 
will no come near ye.” 

'' Oh, mistress, mistress ! ” sobbed the maid, 
clinging to Rose, I’m feart to dee, but now 
I think — I think I would rather dee than rin 
awa’ from ye.” 

'' There’s a brave lass,” said Rose, when the 
maid had retired. 

‘'Ye can tak’ her with ye the morn, Rose,” 
I said. 

“ Tak’ her where ? ” asked Rose. 

“Why, to your aunt’s house in Coupar,” I 
replied. 

“And who said I was going there?” she asked. 


THE PEST ! 


87 


'' But ye must. I insist on it ! ” I cried. 

'' And who are ye to insist on anything that’s 
to do with me, David Duras ? ” she said, with 
a return to her old manner. I as usual was 
daunted for a bit by her tone — it had always that 
effect, — but recovering heart, I determined to 
play the man. 

Ane who’s the head of this house,” I said, 
firmly. 

My glory, Davie,” she cried, with affected 
astonishment, ye’re getting on ! ” 

It does not matter for that,” I said, warmly. 

The question is, will ye go ? ” 

And the answer is, ' No,’ ” she said, equally 
warmly. 

But why ? ” I cried. 

Because it suits me,” she said, calmly. . 

'' That’s no answer,” I said, and I tell ye 
plainly. Rose, that if ye will not go by yourself, 
by the Lord, I’ll carry ye.” 

'' High words, Davie,” she whispered. '' But 
ye ken well that ye durst not lay a finger on me 
without my consent.” 

She was right — I durst not in ordinary times; 
but the dread for her staying in a Pest-haunted 


88 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 


town had changed the circumstances, and now 
I felt I could dare anything. 

But first, I thought, Til try if I can’t get her 
to go by using her father’s name^ 

Truly he had given me no right to do so^ — 
but, then, he did not know what was going to 
happen. So I lied freely, and wondered at the 
readiness with which the falsehoods came, for 
to lie is no habit of mine. 

But, Rose, ye would not disobey your 
father’s orders ? ” 

He has given me none ! ” she cried. 

Ay, but he left me some,” I said. 

And what were they, Maister Order ? ” she 
asked. 

‘‘ ‘ Duras,’ he said to me, before he left, 
‘ Duras, I’m leaving ye a grave charge, and 
that’s my daughter, Duras. If the Pest comes 
to Anstruther shift her from it at once, I ken fine 
she’ll not be wanting to leave the house till I 
come home, but heedna ye her, Duras. Shift 
her, though ye had to do it with your own 
hands, Duras. I leave ye with this caution, 
Duras: if I find when I come back that ye have 
not obeyed me, even although the disobedience 


THE PEST I 89 

arose from her determination to stay, by the 
Lord, it’ll be the worse for ye ! ’” 

“ He said that, did he ? ” asked Rose. 

“ He did,” I said. 

“ When ? ” she demanded. 

“ The day before he sailed,” I said, firmly, 
and craftily too; for if I had said the day he 
sailed, as I was at first tempted to do, I would 
have been discovered, for, tearful at his going, 
she had bided by his side the whole of that day. 

“ Aweel, I’ll go, then,” she said, slowly, and 
sore disappointed. 

I sat down at the table, and with elbows 
thereon and head in my hands, began to think 
and plan out the procedure for next day. It 
was dreich work; for besides her going, there 
was a crear lying waiting discharge at the 
harbour. 

Thinks I, “ If the porters tak’ fright like the 
rest of the folks, my faith, but we’re in a 
bonny fix. Nobody to tak’ the cargo out of the 
Marie, and her waiting to sail back to Antwerp 
for another cargo. And Simon waiting at 
Antwerp for her to tak’ him back here. There 
he’ll stand waiting and wondering, maybe for 


90 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 


days, maybe for weeks, guid kens. My soul, 
but he’ll be in torment;” and I laughed bitterly 
aloud at the prospect. 

I felt Rose’s hand lie on my shoulder, and 
fearing that it was but another of my dreams, 
I did not stir lest it might take flight. 

“ What are ye thinking of so deeply, Davie ? ” 
she asked. 

“ Of the work of the morn. Rose,” I said. 

“ Ay,” she said, with bitterness, “ that’s the 
best of being a man, ye can aye be doing some- 
thing, while woman can only greet. Davie,” 
she went on, her voice changing into wonder, 
“ what mak’s ye so changed the day ? ” 

“ In what way. Rose ? ” I said, cautiously, 
lest this might be only another of her traps to 
waylay me. 

“ I dinna ken,” she said, hesitatingly, “ but 
ye’ve changed till a man. I never thought ye 
had it in ye. What brought it, Davie ? ” 

God, He knows, with my heart beating fast 
at the thought, I longed to tell her that it was 
love; but instead I answered, lightly : 

“ What but a sense of duty. Rose ? ” 

“ It was wonderful,” she went on in the same 


THE PEST ! 


91 


tone that sent the blood to my head to hear, 
“ wonderful ! Will I confess it, Davie ? — ye 
nearly made me go against my will, without 
even speaking my father’s name. Wisna that a 
sair fa’ for me. Commander Davie ? Do all men 
change from quiet lads into tyrants as ye have 
done, Davie, at the sense of duty ? Oh, Davie, 
I fair blush to think of how you must have 
said often to yourself when I was teasing ye, 
‘ Tits, let the lassie have her humour, I’m man 
enough not to mind.’ ” 

“ I never did. Rose,” I said, forgivingly. “ I 
even liked it,” I added, when I saw how far 
cast down the maid was at the thought. 

“ Oh, that was good of ye, Davie; but I’m 
afeared ye have had many a good laugh on the 
quiet at me.” 

“ Never a ane,” I said firmly. 

She put her arm round my shoulder a little 
further, and said longingly : 

“ Oh, Davie, I wish I had gone of my own 
free will, and no just from my father’s orders.” 

“ But what difference does it mak’. Rose, so 
long as ye go ? ” 

“ Davie, do you not see ? ” she asked. 


92 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 


Vm bound to say I don’t/’ I replied. 

Well,” she said, ‘‘ when he comes home the 
first question he’ll ask me will be (for ye ken 
how he loves me), ‘ Well, Rose, did ye tak’ 
good care of yourself for the auld man’s sake ? ’ 
And what’ll I have to answer, Davie ? Just 
that I did not do it for his sake, but only on 
account of his orders. Do ye not see why I’m 
sorry, Davie ? ” 

'' Ay,” I said, I see now; but he need never 
know.” 

That does not mak’ any difference, Davie,” 
she said, as she withdrew her arm, and went to 
the window-seat sorrowfully. It’s my own 
thoughts that give me the pain.” 

She was quiet for a little, and I returned to 
my plans. 

Presently I heard from the window-seat a 
sound of weeping and quiet sobbing, and, 
turning hastily round, saw Rose leaning her 
head away from me on her arm, and crying 
bitterly. 

What is it. Rose ? ” I said, in alarm. 

Oh, I wish I had gone from my own desire ! 
I wish I had never heard his orders.” 


THE PEST ! 


93 


I could not understand the humour she was 
in regarding this, to me, trivial hair-splitting ; 
but knowing how they loved each other, I did 
not feel myself fit to judge. I tried to comfort 
her, but she would not be comforted. I tried 
to reason it with her, but my reasons did not 
prevail. The sobbing went on, and ever the 
same plaint : 

“ Oh ! I would have gone of myself in a 
little, if ye had not been so hasty. But now 
I’ve got his orders, and it’s no virtue in me 
to go.” 

My heart was sore at her distress, and none 
the less so because her father’s orders were 
only mine. 

“ Oh, why did ye not give me time to think 
about it, Davie ? Of course I would have gone,” 
she went on. 

Hearing this, I determined to relieve her 
sorrow by telling her the truth. 

“ Nay, nay. Rose, dinna greet sae sair. I’m 
no altogether sure your father did give me the 
orders.” 

“ Oh, if that was only true ! ” she said, 
imploringly. 


94 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 


“ To tell ye the truth, Rose, I dinna think 
he did.” 

“ But you’re not sure, Davie ? ” she said 
with a sob. 

“ Ay, I’m sure. Rose,” I answered. 

“ On your honour, Davie ? ” she asked, tear- 
fully. 

“ On my honour. Rose,” I said. 

“ I was sure of it all the time ! ” she cried, 
joyfully, jumping up from the seat, and showing 
me her face with never a tear in it. “ Oh, but 
I’ll pay ye out for this, David Duras ! Ye 
dinna lie naturally at all, Davie, and ye’re but 
a daft gowk that ony bairn could mak’ a fool 
of, and tak’ a secret from.” 

“ That may be so,” I said, wearily, for my 
heart was very sad. “ But God forgive ye for 
the pain ye have caused me this night.” 


CHAPTER XIL 


I HAVE IT OUT WITH ROSE. 

I HAD intended to say more, and with greater 
emphasis. I had intended to lift the dam of 
restraint from the current of my anger, but the 
vanity of mere words came to me and my souh 
sickness, so I held my peace and sat down 
at the table again in sore fellness of heart. 
I tried hard to think of my plans for the 
next day — of how she was to be got out of 
town, but never for more than a moment could 
I get my mind away from the memory of a 
picture I had once seen of a galley and a mer- 
chantman. 

The galley was a war galley, and the mer- 
chantman a huge clumsy ship compared to it, 
of thrice the size, and tattered sorely by the 
shot of its unwelcome neighbour. One could 
imagine the whole scene. The light boat and 
the merchantman vainly trying to wear round 

95 


96 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 


SO that the stern-piece might cover the galley. 
Willing arms, and the light boat skimming 
here, there, and everywhere, and pouring in 
her deadly shot at her fancy. 

I could not get my mind away from it, for it 
was just the picture of Rose and me, and it 
did not sweeten my heart in the least; for it 
is an ill thing to think whiles that you have 
appeared big and clumsy, but it is a worse 
thing to be sure of it. It is no consolation to 
think that ye’re just as God made ye; for while 
a man can accept martyrdom with calmness, a 
grain of oats catching in his throat craftily will 
cause him much repining and complaining of 
his lot. 

I tried to comfort myself also with the knowl- 
edge that it was not essential to a man’s glory 
to be quick in quippery; but did that lend me 
any comfort ? — not a grain. I knew it was 
only vanity that kept me from being consoled 
by it, but what good did that do me ? The 
currents of vanity and knowledge run so criss- 
cross, that there is no keeping a straight course. 

So my thoughts always left my heart the 
more cheerless. Another man in my place 


/ HAVE IT OUT WITH ROSE. 


97 


would have turned reckless and gone the gait 
his quick thoughts bent him; but always be- 
hind my first thoughts there comes a second 
that acts as a drag on my inclination and stops 
the action set up by the first. I have called this 
fear, and at other times prudence ; which it is, 
God wot me, I cannot tell. 

When holding the shafts of a plough, and 
looking behind me at the new-made furrow, I 
have seen a worm turned up, and the following 
flock of crows dart at it, fighting and squabbling 
each for its share, all save two or three grave 
and portly members of the school. These 
heeded not the disputed morsel, but held on 
their way gravely, and while the fighters were 
gulping each morsel of the original worm, their 
wiser brethren had each by that time a whole 
one to his own maw. Thus it is with me, save 
when bluid rins warm ” in bodily action. I 
stand free from the burly and await the surer 
gain. When Fortune has been none so kind to a 
man, it is unwise to be careless of the joints of 
his harness ; which is the same thing as the 
saying that it’s ill to shoot in front of a bad 
archer.” So, being ignorant of my own skill, 


98 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 


I wished to place nothing of mine in front of 
my shooting. 

It is easy looking back on a time when you 
suffered sorely, and seeing all the ins and outs 
of the business, saying, ‘‘ What a fool ye were 
to let it disturb ye;’' but it is none so easy to 
endure the same when you see no way out of 
the business, nor anything but disaster in front. 
So I sat me at the table in fell low spirits. 

After a while Rose came near me, and said, 
coaxingly : 

'' I’m going to mak’ ye something good for 
supper. What would ye like ? ” 

Now at this the pain at my heart gave 
another stoun. Was that her thought ? Was 
I nothing but a dour horse that she could call 
to her with the rattle of grain in a sieve ? 

I’m no heeding for anything. Rose,” I said, 
trying to put the pain within me out of my 
voice. 

She came closer to me and put her arm 
through mine, laying her head near me in a 
pretty way. 

Are ye so angry with me, Davie ? ” she 
asked. 


I HAVE IT OUT WITH ROSE. 


99 


I answered not, my heart was too full. Al- 
ready I felt as if it would break with a torrent 
of tears from my eyes. 

‘‘ Dinna be dour, Davie,’’ she said, bringing 
her head lower and trying to look me in the 
eyes; but I turned away my head from her. 

'' Davie, will I say I’m sorry ? ” she said, 
coaxingly, peeping further round. Then some- 
thing dropped on to the table, and for a moment 
there was silence. 

Then she asked in a broken whisper : 

Was it a tear, Davie ? ” 

Oh, woman,” I cried, jumping up, have 
you no pity ? Is it not enough to have brought 
this pain upon me, without needing to see how 
ill I bear it ? Was it not enough to have 
brought a man out of his own thoughts, which 
were dreich enough, into yours, and made him 
feel the pain which you were only simulating ? 
Ay, a tear it was, and a tear I’m ashamed of, 
since it was called forth by no worthy object, 
but just by the wantonness of a woman.” 

I turned away from her. 

Oh, Davie ! ” she said, coming after me, and 
catching one of my hands in hers and pressing 


lOO 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 


it between her own in nervous jerks. Oh, 
Davie, but I didna ken ye took it so much to 
heart/’ 

To heart ! ” I cried. I’m not a stone, 
Rose, that I can see a woman greeting and not 
feel the grip of the same sobs at my throat.” 

Oh, Davie, Davie ! ” she cried, and I could 
almost believe she was meaning it, I’m fair 
wild with myself. Ye shouldna mind me.” 

And that’s what I ask myself often. Rose — 
why do I mind ye ? ” I cried. 

'‘Yes ? ” she said, softly. 

" And I can find no answer,” I said, stoutly. 

" None ? ” she asked. 

" None,” I said, as firmly, " save this — that 
I am ill-inclined to give up my faith in ye; that 
I am ill-inclined to give up my faith in woman, 
and think that a sweet hour from them is only 
the fause front to a month of mockery.” 

" But I mind ye said ye even liked it, Davie,” 
she said, beginning to brisken up as I got a 
little cooled. 

"Ye have ower guid a memory to be com- 
passionate, Rose.” 

" Ney, Davie/' she said, protestingly. " I 


/ HAVE IT OUT WITH ROSE. 


lOl 


didna mean it that way. I was only wondering 
if men, as well as women, said more than they 
meant at times. Will ye no believe that Tm 
sorry, Davie ? ’’ 

Fm loth to lay myself open to another dis- 
appointment,’’ I said. ‘‘ Oh, Rose, I ken there’s 
no way of forcing a liking ” 

“ But I like ye well enough, Davie,” she 
cried. 

‘'Ye conceal it wonderfully, then. Rose,” I 
said. “I ken no other way out of it; for do 
you not see. Rose, that this cannot go on ? I 
must be either one thing or another : your 
friend or your servant. Fm keen enough to be 
the first, and willing enough to be the second.” 

“ Would I say I was sorry to my servant, 
Davie ? ” she said, quietly ; so quietly and free 
from mockery, that it came to me to believe 
her. 

The belief that she had accepted me as her 
friend was so sweet, that I had not the heart to 
force her to say it in stronger words, and so I 
rested content with the grain of inference she 
had thrown me. 


CHAPTER XIIL 


IN SPITE OF THE PEST ROSE STAYS IN 
ANSTRUTHER. 

What do ye think of doing then, Rose ? ’’ 
I asked, trying by taking her into counsel to 
make her side against herself. 

What’ll ye be thinking of doing yourself, 
Davie ? ” she said, giving me but one question 
for another. 

I’m clean out of the matter. Rose,” I said, 
for I’ll have to stay here and get the Marie 
cleared.” 

Ye’ll no can do that,” she cried, for there 
will be never a porter to tak’ work in Anstruther 
the morn.” 

Well,” I said, I’ll have to make shift my- 
self.” 

'' What ? ” she cried. '' It’ll tak’ ye a week.” 

Will it ? ” I said, quietly. 

Will it no ? ” she answered, emphatically. 

We’ll see,” I said, '' and I’ve little doubt 


102 


ROSE STAYS IN ANSTRUTHER. 103 

I’ll prove ye very far wrong, Rose ; for ye 
mustna forget I’ll be working to pay back some 
of the debt of kindness I owe to your father.” 

“ But what’s the hurry about the Marie ? ” 
she asked. 

“ Well,” I said, “ your father’s waiting at 
Antwerp till her return. He’s coming back in 
her, and if she’s delayed here a day or a week 
he’ll need to kick his heels in idleness on the 
quay.” 

“ Let her go as she is,” said Rose, getting 
excited when she saw how the sailing of the 
Marie would affect her father’s homecoming. 

“ I’ve no kent your father long, Rose,” I 
said; “but I think I can safely say he’d rather 
wait till doomsday than see a boat of his come 
back as it went, with never a bale of stuff 
shifted or sold. Nay, Rose, it must be cleared 
by the morn’s night, that’s the long and the 
short of it. And, since that’s settled, let’s con- 
sider on what you’ll do.” 

“ Still harping on that auld string, Davie ? ” 
she said, with a smile. “ Is there no learning 
ye a lesson ? Here I am, and here I’ll bide.” 

“ That’s just nonsense. Rose ! ” I cried. 


104 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR, 


'' If it’s nonsense, Davie,” she answered, 
“ then I’m a fool, for it’s the only sense I mean 
to understand.” 

‘‘ But what good will it do. Rose ? ” I urged. 

Ye ken ” 

Ye’re no very complimentary, Davie,” she 
interrupted. It’s no every one that would be 
so ill in their taste as to refuse the company of 
a lassie — like me,” she added. 

It’s a terrible tricky tongue that of yours. 
Rose, for putting the wrong side in a guid light, 
for ye ken fine there’s nothing I would enjoy 
more; but I’m modest. Rose. I’m no asking 
for the sun always — just for a wee bit whiles. 
Now, I’m kind of wearying for the dark. 
Everything is the better of a contrast. Rose, 
and oh ! but the country is bonnie the noo. 
Your aunt in Coupar, too, is aye wearying to 
see ye. Will ye let her weary. Rose ? ” 

''Ye talk about a tongue, Davie,” Rose said. 
" My glory ! but ye have one yourself that 
would fetch a tod from its hole.” 

" Then ye’ll go. Rose ? ” I cried, joyfully. 

" Ay, Davie,” she said, " to bed, for I’m fell 
weary.” 


ROSE STAYS IN ANSTRUTHER, 


105 


Oh, but, Rose ! ’’ I began again, '' what 
good will it do ye staying here, when ye might 
be out of harm’s way ? Ye serve no purpose 
by staying here.” 

Ay, but I will, Davie,” she cried, for Fll 
serve ye your meals.” 

But anybody will be guid enough for that,” 
I said. 

^'Anybody is generally nobody,” she answered. 

Betsy will do it,” I cried, referring to the 
woman who attended to the kitchen. 

'' Betsy is away ere now,” said she, '' if she 
behaves like what she did last time.” 

ril cook for myself. Rose,” I said. 

'' My glory, no ! ” she cried. Men talk on 
how women neglect solid food and eat nothing 
but confections when the men folk are away; 
and it’s bad enough. I’ll admit. But the Lord 
preserve a man who’s called on sudden to eat 
his ain cooking.” 

But, Rose,” I protested, '' I’m not such a 
bad ” 

'' Oh, Davie,” she interrupted, '' canna ye 
see that it’s of no use — that I’ll not go ? If 
ye’re thinking that ye’ll mak’ me change my 


io6 FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 

mind, ye might as well save your breath to cool 
the broth Til cook for ye the morn/' 

But why, Rose ? " 

Have not I given you reasons, Davie ? ” 

‘‘ They’re but wide of the mark. Rose,” I 
said. ‘‘ Woman’s reasons folk call them.” 

'' And am I not a woman ? ” 

‘‘ Then I never saw such an obstinate ane ! ” 
I cried. 

That does not make me less a woman, does 
it, Davie ? ” 

“ No,” I said, but I would rather it made 
me a womanless man. But let us stick to the 
point. Rose. Ye say ye’ll not go away from 
Anstruther, and I’m asking ye fair and snod — 
Why ? ” 

Will ye have my real reason, then, Davie ? ” 

I would be obliged to ye. Rose, for I’m 
turning fair dizzy with all these whirls.” 

'' Then the real truth is, Davie,” she said, 
I’m not going to be outdone by ye.” 

But, Rose,” I cried, ‘‘ there’s no question 
of doing or outdoing. I’m only staying because 
it’s my work — ^the only work I’m guid for, and 
the work I was set to; but for ye ” 


ROSE STAYS IN ANSTRUTHER. 


107 


Ay, for me, Davie,’' she said, '' how does it 
apply to me ? Here’s a man — a man who’s not 
bound to the house — who’s got nothing to be 
thankful to us for (for ye ken well, Davie, ye’ve 
more than earned whatever ye’ve got) — staying 
and working alone so that my father will not be 
inconvenienced, and will be home the sooner. 
While there am I (by your way o’t, Davie) 
gallivanting and enjoying myself — away at the 
first sign of trouble — seemingly without ae 
thought or wish whether my father should 
return in ae week or ae month. Tak’ it hoo ye 
like, it’s a picture I wouldna care to be drawn 
in. Besides, Davie, ye must not forget I’m 
more than a daughter of the house, for in a 
sense I’m a partner — an ornamental ane, as ye 
were pleased to say once — and it would ill 
become such to flee with the lave of the ser- 
vants, leaving money and gear to come by as 
best they might. Are these no sufficient rea- 
sons for me staying, Davie ? ” 

They might be. Rose,” I said, if ye were a 
man. But ye ken well that yer father — or put 
it as ye had it — ^your partner values ye and yer 
well-being far above the whole of his goods. 


lo8 FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 

Can ye no see, Rose, that it’s more than yer 
own life ye’re risking ? The happiness of your 
father, ay, his life, is bound up with you. Rose; 
and yet ye would risk all these rather than 
allow yourself to be beat by a man that’s got 
no hindrances like them to hold him out of the 
battle. Does that not look a wee thing selfish 
to ye. Rose ? ” 

'' Oh, Davie, Davie ! Ye’re a terrible lad for 
getting to the bottom of things,” she said, with 
a half-comical, half-earnest expression. Since 
I must confess all. I’ll tell ye now, though I’m 
sweert, for it will likely appear bold for a maid 
to say; but, Davie, I’m tired of this running 
away from the Pest. I would fain set an 
example to the other women of courage. God’s 
mercy is surely great enough to save us from 
trusting to our speed. Whatna good does all 
this scurry and hurry into the country do ? 
None, Davie — ay, and less than none, for it but 
increases the disease. They take the infection 
with them, and does lying wet and hungry in 
the lee of a hedge help a man or woman to 
resist it the better ? They flee tO' the country 
for clean air and lodging. In God’s name tell 


ROSE STAYS IN ANSTRUTHER, 


109 


me, why should they not have it in their homes, 
if they would but bestir themselves and mak’ 
the swine the sole livers in middens. To start 
this, Davie, some one has to mak' a stand. A 
poor stand it'll be I will mak', Davie, but yet a 
stand, and would my father, or even ye, gainsay 
me ?" 

She waited awhile for my answer, and 
though loth to say it, say it I had to. 

'' God help me, no ! " I cried. '' But, Rose, 
mind that ye tak’ more than yer father's hap- 
piness or life with ye, for I " 

I will that, Davie," she interrupted, 
abruptly, for I'll tak' plenty of clean water 
with me." 


CHAPTER XIV. 


A PEST-STRUCK TOWN. 

When I got outside the house next morning 
as the sun rose, I thought all the fools in 
the country had made a raid on the town and 
were pillaging it. Such a hurry and scurry 
I never saw in my born days. Every one for 
himself, as much as his wits would let him. It 
would have been laughable had it not been so 
pitiable. Here one man had carefully locked 
up the door and barred the windows, and 
found he had left all his money inside. Of 
course in his hurry he could not find the key 
again. Ranting and raving, he was now 
running through the town looking for the 
smith to come and open his house to him. 
Another man, whose door-lock either did not 
exist or was out of order, had put his wife 
and children outside, and had barred the door, 
piling all the heavy furniture against it from 


no 


A PEST-STRUCK TOWN, 


III 


the inside. Then he had started to make his 
way out by the window, but was now held fast 
by the middle, so that he could neither with- 
draw nor come out. His bairns and wife were 
calling- on him to make haste ere the Pest took 
hold of them. 

Oh ! hurry, Jock ! hurry ! ’’ cried the wife, 
or we’re din for ! Oh, lend him a hand, 
neighbour ! ” she entreated the passers-by. 

But they were too busy to heed. 

Oh, Jock, pull yourself through! Put your 
strength into it ! ” she continued to cry. 

God help me, Jean, I can move neither here 
nor there ! I misdoubt ye’ll have to leave me 
and fend for yourself.” 

The woman took a long look of love at the 
children, then turned to him resolutely. 

Na, na, Jock, I canna do that. I took ye 
for better or worse, but I never thought it 
would come to this. Oh, ye might give my 
man a hand to get through the window, 
maister ! ” she cried to me, entreatingly. 

'' I’m feared he’s rather a tight fix,” I said, as 
I got a good grip of the man’s oxters, and gave 
a good fair pull without freeing him in the least. 


II2 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR, 


Oh, maister, put your full strength into 
it ! ” cried the woman. '' Never mind the win- 
dow.” 

Or me,” cried the man. 

Here to it then ! ” I cried, and gripping the 
fellow in the same place, but getting a rare 
purchase against the wall with my feet, I put 
out, in one great pull, my whole strength. 

He came, and the window frame with him, 
and both on the top of me. 

As I scrambled out from the debris, the 
woman came to me and said : 

Oh, ril mind ye for this, maister — when I 
come back ! ” 

And was for running off, when I, thinking 
this would be a good opportunity to help 
Rose’s endeavours, detained her for a moment, 
saying : 

Ye’re as safe here as anywhere, mistress.” 

I ken that’s what’s said by them that should 
ken; but do they practise what they preach ? 
Na, that’s a different story; and I’m no going 
to be the first till try it.” 

I would have argued it out with her, but had 
no chance, for ere I could think on my first 


A PEST-STRUCK TOWN. 


II3 

words she was away, and my words were heard 
only by myself and maybe the broken window- 
frame at my feet. 

I thought to myself : 

“ Rose’s teaching may prevail over their 
fears, but she’ll have to catch her fish afore 
she salts it.” 

During my walk down to the quay I had kept 
an open eye for any of the porters, but with 
little success. At last one comes running past 
me, and was ill-inclined to stop, but catching 
him by the shoulder, I asked him : 

“ And where will ye be bound for, Andrew 
Harvey ? ” 

“ Anywhere,” he cried, his eyes mad with 
fear. “ Anywhere out of this Pest-struck 
town.” 

“ And what about the Marie ? ” I asked. 

“To with the Marie, and ye too ! ” he 

yelled. “ Let go my shoulder, or I’ll put a 
knife intil ye ! ” he added, plucking a dagger 
from his belt. 

“ Dinna tak’ knives to me, Andrew ! ” I said, 
catching his right wrist. “ Are ye the man I 
could have sworn would be the last to show a 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 


I14 

sign of cowardice ? Are ye going to flee with 
the others like a frightened sheep ? ” 

He was but a poor shauchily bit of a wizened 
creature, but every man is a hero if ye can 
flatter him into the belief that it is his nature 
so to be. 

He straightened up at my words, and his 
face looked nearly bold as he asked : 

“ Did ye so, man ? ” 

“ Ay, but I did, Andrew. Come on, man, 
and let’s set an example to the others. We’ll 
have a fine laugh at them when they creep 
back. Come on, Andrew, and we’ll clear the 
Marie atween us.” 

But at the words the old horror came back 
into his eyes, and he asked almost in a whisper 
with awe : 

“ Have ye no heard who’s come down with 
it, Duras ? ” 

“ No,” I said, “ and I carena.” 

“ But it’s Jamie Maitland,” he cried, “ ane 
of the men we were working alongside the day 
before yestreen.” 

“ Jamie Maitland ? ” I cried. 

“ Ay, and they say — and who dare doubt it — 


A PEST-STRUCK TOWN. 


I15 

that it was the Marie brought the Pest ! It 
was there he got it.” 

“ It was nothing of the kind,” I cried, “ for 
ye ken as well as myself that he wasna there 
yestreen.” 

“ That mak’s nae differ, tho’,” he cried, “ for 
he was there the day afore. Na, na, it’s in the 
Marie; where else could he have got it ? ” 

“ Now ye’re getting nearer the answer, 
Andrew,” I said, “ for ye ken well that Jamie 
was consorting and drinking all day yestreen 
with that stranger gipsy woman. That’s where 
he got it.” 

“ He might, but then he might no,” said 
Andrew. “ He’s just as likely to have got it 
in the Marie.” 

“ Nonsense, man ! Come on ! ” I cried. 

“ I’ll no risk it ! ” he cried, and with a sudden 
wrench Andrew freed himself and fled like a 
hare. 

“ That crowns it all ! ” I said to myself ; but 
I was mistaken, for when I got to the boat 
I found a greater ploy there than all taking 
place. There was nothing uncommon-looking 
at first sight, for the boat was quiet enough. 


Il6 FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 

with only the master, Seth Rilas, walking from 
side to side at the waist; but when I got 
closer I saw, to my surprise, that his sword 
was hanging naked by his side, and that he 
carried a musket, the match of which he kept 
carefully in trim. Besides his seaman’s knife, 
he had a cutlass stuck in his belt, and every 
time he turned in his walk his hand wandered 
down to his sword and felt that it was quite 
free, then to his cutlass with similar precaution. 
He gave a threatening glance to the forecastle, 
and then commenced his march again. There 
was a weary halt in his march that was foreign 
to his usual gait; for, though he was of short 
stature and burly, with shoulders like an ox, 
he was very lithe and quick in his movements 
generally. At other times what of his com- 
plexion could be seen from the luxuriant beard 
and bristling moustache was ruddy, but now it 
had turned to a yellow tint, and under his eyes 
deep black rings had formed. He was a man 
of few words, and even of these few indifferent 
to the use of them. The sailor-men called 
him a tyrant, but the boys of the ship loved 
him with a love that was strangely deep between 


A PEST-STRUCK TOWN. 


117 

master and boy when brutality was ever the 
readiest mentor. 

“ Guid day till ye, Captain ! ” I cried, as I 
sprang on board. 

He gave one short, sharp look at me, then 
his glance sprang back to the forecastle. Four 
or five heads had peeped out at my cry, but 
were hastily withdrawn as Seth cried : 

“ To yer kennels, dogs ! ” 

I went up to him, and before I could speak 
he said in a low voice : 

“ Whisper.” 

“ What’s wrong. Captain ? ” I said, obeying 
him. 

“ Mutiny,” he answered. 

“ Mutiny ? ” I said. “ But why ? ” 

“ Fear,” he replied. 

“ But what of ? Is it the Pest ? ” 

He nodded. 

“ But they run no risk if they don’t go 
ashore.” 

The Captain shrugged his shoulders. 

“ Don’t ye believe. Captain,” I said. “ It’s 
nonsense to say it came with the Marie because 
a porter took it. He wasna here yestreen, but 


ii8 FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 

with a gipsy woman, who was a thousand times 
more likely to have it than the Marie, There 
was no word of it when ye loaded the cargo, 
was there. Captain ? ’’ 

‘‘ None/’- 

Then what do they want ? ” I asked. 

''To go ashore,” he said. 

" But that’s running into the very heart of 
it. Can ye no mak’ them listen to reason ? ” 

He turned on me with an angry annoyed 
look, and for once gave free vent to his words. 

" Can ye no exercise a little thought, Duras, 
and argue ? Do ye think I would have kept 
single watch here from six yestreen to this time 
if I could have got them to stay any other way ? 
They’re sailor-men, and frightened sailor-men 
to the bargain. It’s no what ye think or what 
I think, it’s what they think ye’ve to reckon 
with. Dinna lose time talking, but get yer 
porters down and clear the cargo out of the 
ship, and we’ll away.” 

" Porters ? ” I said. " There’ll be never a ane 
here for guid kens the days.” 

" Then we’re done for,” he said, wearily, 
laying down his musket. 


A PEST-STRUCK TOWN. 


I19 

The heads once more appeared at the fore- 
castle^ and the shoulders were rapidly following, 
when I said quickly : 

“ But I’m going to clear her myself.” 

“ Are ye ? ” he asked, giving me another look. 

“ Can ye no keep them for another eight 
hours ? ” I asked, eagerly. 

“ Do ye no see I’m near falling down with 
want of sleep ? ” 

“ Ay, I see that,” I said. “ And sorry I am. 
But, oh, man, couldna ye last ? There will be 
no getting the boat out if ye let these sailors 
go, for we’ll no get others to come near the 
town for who kens the time. Could ye no last. 
Captain ? It’s for the credit of the house I’m 
asking ye, for if Simon Carter is detained long 
in Antwerp matters will be in a bonny pickle 
here, with clerks and all fled. Could ye no 
last out. Captain ? ” 

He took up his musket, and cried to the men ; 

“ Back ! ” Then to me he said, “ Work, then; 
oh, work, for this is like hell for me ! ” 


CHAPTER XV. 


THE MUTINY OF THE “ MARIE.” 

The Marie was of a build mainly intended 
for the carriage of such light goods as Simon 
Carter principally dealt in, as for example her 
present cargo, which consisted of bales of cloth, 
velvets, and plain silk. As suited this trade, 
she was permanently ballasted, and this brought 
the floor of her hold higher than ordinarily 
would have been the case. During the two 
previous days we had removed nearly three 
parts of her cargo, and it was now to the 
clearance of the last quarter that I bent my 
thoughts. The plan that I had formed in my 
mind over night was feasible enough, but it 
required the assistance of one other man. I 
had reckoned on securing at least that service; 
but now, when it seemed impossible, the whole 
foundation of my plannings crumbled beneath 
me. To ascend the slight perpendicular ladder 


120 


THE MUTINY OF THE " MARIE ‘ 


121 


that led from the hold to the deck with each 
bale would take days before all was removed, 
and hours, not days, were in question now. If 
only the Captain could have lent a hand I was 
certain I could accomplish the task, but he had 
even more on his hands than me. 

I took a look round the harbour to see if I 
could not get help, but never a soul was in 
sight. The three or four crears that lay by the 
quay were as deserted as the quayside. A lad, 
however slight, would have served my purpose, 
but not even such a one could I see. What 
had appeared easy at night, in the morning, 
like many another matter, took on a different 
complexion. 

“ You’re no gleg in commencing,” said the 
Captain. 

“ No, man,” I said, “ I’m not.” 

“ Young promises,” said the Captain, with a 
sneer and a light wave of his hand, which 
meant that the promises of a young man are 
equal to air. 

“ No, man,” I said, angered a little, “ it’s no 
altogether that. When I said I would clear the 
boat myself, I meant with a trifling assistance ! ” 


122 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 


“ Trifling,” said the Captain, sneeringly. 

“ Ay, trifling,” I said, “ for it was no more 
and no less than just to unhook the bale when 
I landed it on deck. That was all.” 

“ More than enough, like this,” grunted the 
Captain with a comprehensive look from the 
men he held in check to the musket in his arm. 

“ Ay,” I said, sadly, “ it looks so.” 

There was a silence between us for a little 
while, an embarrassed silence, for I had a 
question to put to the Captain, the putting of 
which I little liked, and he already read the 
question in my eyes and liked it as little. At 
last I plucked up courage and said : 

“ You couldna manage to do it yourself. 
Captain ? ” 

He looked me straight in the eyes with an 
affected expression of so much admiration at 
my hardihood in proposing such a thing to a 
man whose hands were already so well filled, 
that I had to let mine fall to the deck. 

“ I’m no monkey,” he said, shortly. 

“ No,” I said, stoutly, “ ye’re a man ! ” 

His face softened the least wee bit at the 
words, for they rang with truth. He was a 


THE MUTINY OF THE “ MARIE.’ 


123 


man, and I knew it, and my lips spoke of my 
belief. 

“ Still with two hands only,” he replied. 

“ Ay,” I said, “ but with a head worth many 
hands.” 

He gave a low shake of his head and said : 

“ It’s the last straw.” 

“ Man,” I said, “ I’ll heave them up beside 
ye. Ye’ll not need to move an inch. D’ye 
not think ye could manage it ? ” 

His face was white with want of sleep and 
fatigue, but at my persistence, a rush of blood 
flushed it, and he turned on me angrily : 

“ See here, Duras, there’s a limit to every- 
thing. I’ve held the ship ready to sail for 
twelve hours for ye, and I’ve said I’ll hold it 
in the same state for six more. I’ve done that, 
and I’ve done enough, and I’m condemned if 
I know why I’ve done as much.” 

“ It was sheer loyalty,” I said, quickly. 

“ Sheer obstinacy would be more like,” he 
replied. 

“ It was grand anyway,” I said. 

“ Foolish would be a better word,” he 
grumbled, quieting down, “ for it’s more like 


124 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 


to mean a knife in my back or a block falling 
on my head from these dogs than thanks from 
my betters.” 

“ I can guarantee ye plenty of the last,” I 
said, “ for it’s a great service ye’re rendering 
to Simon Carter.” 

“ It would need to be,” he said, shortly. 

After a while I said : 

“ What’s it to be, then ? Is yer loyalty or 
obstinacy, as ye called it, to be of no avail ? 
Or will ye play the game out for what it’s 
worth, and, in attending to the hook, risk the 
escape of two or three sailors ? ” 

“ Oh, let’s play it out,” he said wearily. 

“ I’ll never forget this, Seth Rilas,” I said. 

“ Ye’re no likely to,” he said, “ for there’s 
trouble brewing for’ard.” 

“ Well, we’ll male’ hay while the sun shines,” 
I said, as I sprang down the ladder into the hold. 

The bales were, fortunately, of a handy size, 
and for two hours I laboured lustily, hooking 
them on one end of a rope reeved through a 
block, and handing them up with the other till 
they were as high as the deck. I had loosened 
the stays of the spar supporting the block, so 


THE MUTINY OF THE “MARIE.” 125 

that with a hearty swing round the bale was 
suspended well over the deck for a moment, 
during which I quickly released the rope and 
managed to land its burden on the deck. The 
Captain then pulled the hook free, and, after 
lowering it, I was ready for the next bale. It 
was good, hearty work that a man could put 
his strength into, and I was just getting into 
the swing of it, though feeling an emptiness 
of my stomach that brought back to mind 
longingly the savoury breakfast table at the 
house, when a voice, like the call of a dove to 
his mate at the gloaming, cried : 

“ Davie ! ” 

I looked up, and never a man saw a prettier 
picture. It was Rose. She was bending slightly 
over the edge of the hold. Her face was in 
the full radiance of the sun, catching much of 
the brilliance of the light, and losing none of 
its softness. Looking up through the darkness 
of the hold, which helped to intensify the 
eflfect, for a moment I thought it was the face 
of an angel. 

“ Davie ! ” she cried again. 

“ Rose,” I asked, “ what brings you here ? ” 


126 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 


Tve brought yer breakfast, Davie ! ’’ 

Where are the maids ? I cried. 

'' Where do the swallows go in winter, 
Davie ? she replied, smilingly. Come up 
and get yer breakfast.’’ 

When I came upon deck I found her chatter- 
ing away blithesomely to the Captain, and all 
the time daintily going here and there, till 
it seemed to us in a moment a little table 
appeared, and on it all the materials for a good 
meal. The Captain’s face had lost much of 
the strained look during her chatter, as whose 
would not ? — for even to watch her when silent 
was a pleasure, while to listen and watch was 
a delight. 

The three of us sat down to breakfast. Seth 
Rilas in the centre, and facing the forecastle, 
and but for the musket across his knees and 
his constant watchfulness forward, one could 
hardly have guessed that anything beyond 
breakfast and pleasure was in our minds. 
Only at the end of our meal would Rose allow 
us to talk of the matter in hand. 

Is there any use talking to the sailors. 
Captain ? ” she asked Seth. 


THE MUTINY OF THE “MARIE: 


127 


“None,” he said. “Ye’ll only mak’ their 
grievance worse by allowing them to argu^ 
about it.” 

“ Then I’ll set them an example,” she said. 

“ Ye’ll go home now. Rose, I hope,” I said. 

“ Ye’re doomed to disappointment, Davie,” 
she said, smilingly, “ for I’m going to help the 
Captain. I’m not much use, I know, but I 
can unloose the hook, and that will leave him 
free to attend to these poor cowards of sailors.” 

No talk on my part could stay her; and as 
for the Captain, he helped me not a whit, for 
everything she did seemed, beyond all question, 
good and wise to him, so I was forced to be 
content, and went down into the hold again. 


CHAPTER XVI. 


THE BIT FIGHT ON THE DECK. 

For three hours I worked undisturbed, and 
made great inroads into the remainder of the 
cargo. I was in hopes that nothing would pre- 
vent the entire clearance of the Marie, and, re- 
freshed by the idea, threw off also my shirt to 
give me the greater ease. 

It was no light task I had set myself, and 
what with that and the heat of the hold, the 
sweat broke out on me in great drops. A great 
weariness and weakness came into my arms that 
was strange to me. 

The continued use of the limbs in the same 
position seemed to knit the muscles into knots 
so that it was painful, and required exertion to 
move them even without their burden. Two 
more hours would clear her; but sometimes 
as the rope slipped through my fingers too 

128 


THE BIT FIGHT ON THE DECK, 


129 


cramped to prevent it, I despaired of ever 
having the bales removed in time. The weari- 
ness spread from my limbs to my head, and 
though I kept up my rate of working, my brain 
ceased to direct my motions, and they had be- 
come quite mechanical. 

A cry from the captain aroused me. 

Duras ! ’’ 

Ay ! 

Come up ! ’’ 

I straightened my back and felt about for 
my shirt. 

Never mind your clothes. Quick ! ” cried 
the Captain. 

There was as much in his tone as in his 
words of warning, and throwing my languor 
aside, I sprang up the ladder and gained the 
deck. 

It seems they’re going to try a rush,” said 
the Captain. 

I took a look round. The tide was out 
by this time, and the timbers of the quay- 
side rose high above our deck. The only 
way the sailors could get to the quay was 
by the ladder, and that was at the waist 


130 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR, 


where we stood. They might slip overboard 
certainly, but the thick mixture of mud and 
water was none so inviting, and, apart from 
that, more than dangerous; for even a strong 
swimmer could have made little headway among 
the silt. 

How many are there of them ? ” I avSked, 
hurriedly, as I tied a rope round my waist and 
stuck a cutlass in it. 

Seven. Five Scotch and two foreigners.” 

There should be eight,” I said. 

Ay, but my mate is away. He should be 
back before three, though, if he does not catch 
the fear, which he’s not the man to.” 

The heads in the forecastle were peeping in 
and out of the doors, and every now and again 
a burst of talking and oaths would reach our 
ears, as the men grew excited over their coming 
sally. 

I looked about me for a less murderous 
weapon than the cutlass, and saw a bit of a 
broken capstan pole of about three feet in 
length; a fair good weapon if my arms were 
not too tired to use it. 

“ There’ll be no killing. Captain,” I said. 


THE BIT FIGHT ON THE DECK. 


131 

“ For our purpose a sailor dead or wounded is 
as little use as a sailor escaped.” 

The Captain nodded his head in agreement 
with me. Rose, who had been listening atten- 
tively to our discourse, laid her hand on the 
musket the Captain held, and said, anxiously 
(for the maid had a tender heart, even to those 
cowards of sailors) : 

“ Then there will be no using of this ? ” 

The Captain gave a quiet smile, and replied : 

“ No, for it’s no loaded.” 

Even in our trouble there was something so 
humorous in the idea of seven men being held 
prisoners from the fear of an empty gun, that 
we laughed heartily. 

“ I’ll go forward. Captain, when the rush 
begins and stop the full force of it, and ye can 
deal with them that pass me. Are they 
armed ? ” 

“ Well, they have their knives, that’s all, but 
enough too, if one should happen to get a slash. 
I think, Duras, I’ll go forward. I’m a fair guid 
hand at the sword.” 

“ Ay,” I said, “ I heard so, but it’s no sword 
play that’s needed. Where there’s a sword 


132 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 


there’s generally bluid, but with a staff like 
this there’s nothing worse than broken heads. 
It’s a manned ship we want, no a floating 
hospital.” 

Give me the bit timber, then,” he said. 

But at that moment the noise in the fore part 
of the ship rose to a roar, and the doors were 
opened to their widest. 

'"Ye’re over late. Captain,” I cried. " Stand 
by the ladder and deal with stragglers. 
Rose, away to the stern ; ” and grasping 
tight the staff, I rushed forward in time to 
meet the men as they came running out of the 
forecastle. 

They little expected to meet an opponent so 
soon, and I have no doubt they were taken 
much aback, for the first swing of my staff met 
with no attempt at a guard, and two men fell 
stunned to the deck with broken heads. The 
third slashed at me with his knife, and 
though I managed to evade the full force 
of the blow, yet it cut a cruel gash in 
my forehead. I had no time to recover 
my cudgel, and so drove the end I had in 
my hand stoutly into his midriff, knocking 


THE BIT FIGHT ON THE DECK. 


133 


the wind so completely from him that he 
tottered gasping for a moment, and then lay 
down on the deck. 

The two foreign knaves, at the first sign of 
hard blows, had crept back quickly from 
whence they had come, so that now none was 
opposed to me but the remaining two sailors. 
The whole affray had happened so quickly that 
it was little wonder they stood stock-still as they 
had stopped, evidently trying to realise the 
change of affairs. 

Had they come on me then, I have no doubt 
I would have gone down, for the blood from 
the wound was in my eyes, and blinding me 
almost entirely. Too dour to retreat, and not 
willing to come on, they stood; and, being 
ever fondest of peace, I thought I could not do 
better than try and make their defeat as easy 
to them as possible. 

Come now,’’ I said to them, what’s it to 
be ? Peace or war ? It’s no fault of yours 
that the rush didna succeed. Had ye been 
backed up with men like yourselves, it would 
have been better. But now that we are two to 
two, and being better armed than ye, it’s no 


134 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 


disgrace in ye to give up a bad job. Come 
now, is’t to be peace ? 

Of course there could be no question which 
of the two ways was the best for their skins, 
and it they soon chose, accompanying their 
surrender, however, with the condition that 
they should be furnished with the materials for 
a meal, the which were kept behind the mast 
in the galley. 

'' Most certainly,’' I cried, and to prevent 
any ill blood I’ll send up a keg of rum. It’ll 
help to beguile the time for ye.” 

They seemed pleased at the prospect, and, as 
they turned away to help their comrades, who 
were now recovering their energies, into the 
shelter of the forecastle, I heard one of them 
say to the other : 

Faith, Jack, it’ll no need a musket to keep 
ye in this boat if ye’re to get a keg of rum aside 
ye.” 

The other retorted : 

Ay, Sandie, and it would need a musket to 
get ye away from the same companion.” 

I heard that distinctly, but it was the last 
thing I mind; for, what with weariness and the 


THE BIT FIGHT ON THE DECK. 


135 


loss of blood that kept pouring from my fore- 
head, I have only a misty recollection of stag- 
gering towards the stern of the boat, and hear- 
ing Rose’s cry of “ Oh, Davie ! ” and her kindly 
hands about me leading the way to the cabin, 
ere a faintness and then black darkness fell upon 


me. 


CHAPTER XVIL 


A MIGHTY PLEASANT TIME CONSIDERING. 

'' Is the Marie away ? ’’ was my oft-repeated 
cry in the time that followed, and sometimes 
Rose would come near me and begin to reply, 
but ere ever I could hear a word she had van- 
ished and darkness was where she had been. 

Sometimes it would be Simon Carter himself 
that would come at my cry; but then I knew 
I only dreamt, for he was in Flanders. The 
long fretting agony of doubt with regard to the 
boat^s sailing filled and wearied my mind for 
ages. If I could but be satisfied, I would lay 
myself down and sleep in comfort. Why did 
they not answer ? Was it but another of 
Rose’s vagaries ? Surely she might be kind 
and tell me. Sail ! How could it sail when it 
was not cleared ? I had still some work to do. 
I must get up. 

My clothes, where are they ? I must rise and 

136 


A MIGHTY PLEASANT TIME. 


137 


finish the Marie. Simon was waiting on the 
Marie. Never mind my clothes; I’ll work 
w'ithout them, for it’s warm work in the hold. 
Warm ? It’s as hot as hades ! The bales 
were few, and I handled them with speed. 
There were but fifty more. I got up the fifty 
to the deck ; but there were more than 
fifty. I must have counted wrong. Fifty ? 
There was a hundred yet. The hundred 
I lifted up on deck ; but there was more 
than a hundred. The hold was full of 
them still. Would it never be emptied ? 
They kept rising and rising till I was caught 
between them and the deck, and a nail from 
the deck pressed into my forehead. It ate its 
way nearly into my brain like red-hot iron. I 
was dying, dying ! Oh, Rose, Rose ! I would 
have got your father home, but who could clear 
the Marie when the bales rose quicker than one 
could shift them ? I would have done it. Rose, 
so don’t laugh. 

The nail was touching my brain, and I felt 
that my hour had come; but then Rose lifted 
the deck up and laid her cool hands on my 
head. The pain of the nail went away like 


138 FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 

magic, and I looked up into her face. The 
tears were in her eyes, and the rosy lips of her 
little mouth quivered. 

Rose ! ’’ I cried. Oh ! ’’ 

Oh, Davie, Davie ! ’’ she sobbed. And I 
was getting up to ask her the wherefore of her 
tears; but a great sweet slumber came to me, 
and before I could even whisper a word I fell 
back on my pillow and went to sleep like a tired 
child on a hot summer’s day. 

When I woke the pain in my head was 
gone, and a pleasant listlessness was in my 
limbs. Surely this was no cabin I was in. I 
took a look round the room, but it was strange 
to me till I had mind of the stranger’s bed- 
room in Simon Carter’s house. What was I 
doing there ? I wondered, but only pleasantly. 
It did not seem a matter to put one’s self about 
for. Nothing did, in fact ; for it was so 
delightful to lie still and hear through the open 
window the crisp, clear sound of the waves 
sporting with the beach, and now and again 
the cry of the sailors’ song, and then the creak 
of the capstan as some ship was drawn out of 
her moorings. 


A MIGHTY PLEASANT TIME. 


139 


To breathe the air itself was a new-found 
joy, as it stirred gently the hangings at the 
window. The rays of the sun, too, made a 
merry play to watch on the counterpane, as 
they danced here and there. For me, it was 
just like a return to boyhood, as I would have 
wakened with a great scheme for the day’s 
enjoyment in my head, and felt the joy of 
living in my heart and body. 

I heard steps coming up the stair, and when 
the door opened I saw Rose and her father. 
At the sight of him I was sorry, for I thought 
after all, this was truly another dream, and a 
prelude to the pain that had come with the 
others. I was weary of pain, and wanted only 
to be let lie in peace. 

Rose’s face was pale, and black lines were 
under her eyes; and even Simon himself looked 
more careworn than his usual, and I wondered 
feebly what had arisen to cause this. 

When they saw I was awake their faces 
lightened; and Rose came running to me, and, 
kneeling at the bedside, put her arm across me, 
crying : -3 , 

“ Oh, Davie ! then ye’re better ? ” 


140 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 


Hush, hush, Rose ! ’’ said Simon, ye must 
keep him quiet/’ 

I began to speak, but found somehow that 
voice was away from me, and only a whisper 
in its place sounded, as I said, pointing to her 
father : 

'' What’s he doing here. Rose ? He should 
be in Flanders. There’s no sense in this. 
The Marie, if she’s been emptied, will only 
just have sailed; he’s no right to be here.” 

Rose laughed merrily; but at the ending her 
laugh changed imperceptibly, till it grew more 
like a sob. 

Poor old Davie ! never bother yer head 
how he got back. Ye’ve been very ill, and now 
ye must keep quiet.” 

111 ? ” I said, “ for how long ? ” 

'' Over a fortnight.” 

Then he got another boat to bring him 
back, then ? ” 

No, he came back in the Marie'' 

'' Thanks to ye, dear lad,” said Simon. 
'' Now ye must not talk more, but go to sleep, 
after ye’ve got yer bowl of broth.” 

The which I did without more ado, and for 


A MIGHTY PLEASANT TIME. 


14I 

many a day afterwards the same routine took 
place. Eating a little, then sleeping for long 
enough, and then awakening but to eat and 
sleep. Ever when I opened my eyes I found 
Rose by my bedside, or quick to appear at my 
call, patient and long-suffering to my weakly 
whims and murmurings as a mother to her 
child. And when eating and sleeping became 
less than the sole duty of living, and my 
strength began to come back to me, I often 
felt inclined to direct the prayers meant for 
God to Him through her, for her nature now 
seemed to have part and portion of the angel’s 
life. 

After a time the bandage was taken from my 
forehead, and one morning when I felt so 
strong that I thought I would try to rise, I 
called to Rose for a hand-glass that I might 
see what sort of mark the knife-wound had 
left. 

I looked in the glass and then laid it down, 
turning my face to the wall, and had Rose not 
been by me, I think I would have given way to 
tears. The rest of the face was comely enough, 
especially now that my beard had grown, but a 


142 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 


great red weal ran down from the hair to the 
bridge of the nose, and though it was raw at 
that time, I saw plainly from its nature that it 
was permanent. Would Fate never have flung 
her last shaft at me ? Whatna maid would 
look twice at a man disfigured thus, save in 
derision ? Though I tried to stifle it, a moan 
escaped me, and Rose, turning from her 
embroidery-frame, came quickly to me. 

'' What is’t, Davie ? ’’ she asked. 

I did not speak, neither did I turn to her. 

She was silent for a moment, and then I felt 
her lift the glass from the bed-cover. 

Was it this that made ye cry out, Davie ? ’’ 
she asked, gently. 

No,’’ I said, for it was what I saw in it that 
caused my grief. 

I thought I had put her off with my denial, 
but ever she seemed to have the faculty of 
reading me like an opened book, for after a 
little while she said, coaxingly : 

Was it in this ye saw cause for pain, 
Davie ? ” 

No,” I replied again, reconciling the answer 
to my conscience by saying to myself that it 


A MIGHTY PLEASANT TIME. 


143 


was not the scar, but the effect it would have 
upon her that drove me to the wall. 

She put a hand round my neck, and tried to 
turn my face to her, but I would not move. 

“ Davie, is it the mark upon yer brow that 
makes ye turn yer face from me ? ” 

I turned round on her, and cried : 

“ And if it is, is it not enough ? Would any 
man get a scar like this and not cry out ? ” 

“ I ken many a man that would be glad of a 
scar got like it.” 

“ Then they’re welcome to it,” I said. 

“To me it’s the best feature on yer face, 
Davie,” she said, kindly and cousinly. (I 
minded afterwards that it was said cousinly, 
but at that moment I thought otherwise.) 

“ Then I’ll no part with it ! ” I cried. 

“ And I’ll aye think it the best,” she went 
on. “ For it was got for the sake of my 
father.” 

It was I who now looked at her straight and 
stedfast in the eyes for a moment or two, and 
then said slowly : 

“ Ay, Rose, for the sake of yer father.” 

Her eyes met mine, and then the eyelids 


144 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 


sank demurely, and turning away she went 
from the room. 

I got up in fair good heart, and as I shoved 
a leg into my breeches, thought to myself that 
even a scar on my face was a blessing to 
me, if it was more than merely a scar in my 
maid’s eyes. 


CHAPTER XVIII. 

I GET PROMOTED. 

Once I had got up and about, my recovery 
was quick, and it was no more than ten days 
after regaining consciousness from the delirium 
that I announced my intention of starting work 
again. 

The scare of the Pest had subsided. It 
had been confined mercifully to the one case, 
and when that was buried, and no more signs 
of it appeared, the folk trooped merrily back 
into Anstruther. 

I looked for them to take more precautions 
about the cleanliness of the town, but I did 
not know the breed. Maybe for a week or 
two the streets were freer from filth, and the 
commoner folks' faces showed more of their 
natural complexion ; but after that gradually 
their efforts dwindled away, till at last the 

145 


146 FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR, 

town became no better nor worse than its 
neighbours. 

Rose, indeed, laboured hard among the 
womankind, to bring them to a proper sense 
of their danger; but her efforts met with little 
reward, for, where folks’ ease is in question, 
reformers are aye looked upon with slight 
favour, and the force of their words annulled by 
force of habit. 

The Council, urged on by Simon, passed 
some grand measures; but a town cannot be 
cleansed by Act of Parliament, and that was 
the furthest they got. One of their measures 
especially found great favour in the eyes of the 
people, and it was to the effect that the filth on 
the streets would be granted free of charge to 
any man who cared to carry it away, and utilise 
it for manure or like purpose. 

'' Now,” said the folk to themselves, that’s 
something like a measure, for it cleans the 
streets and leaves our pouches alone.” 

It was a good proposal, if some one had 
taken advantage of the Council’s generosity; 
but as this never took place, the Act, on the 
whole, could hardly be called a complete 


/ GET PROMOTED. 


147 


success. But they were not to know before- 
hand of this; and so, having satisfied their con- 
sciences, the Council rested from their labours 
and waited, and waited so long in such good 
content that they forgot for what they were 
waiting, and even the cause of their wait. The 
hand of the Council is aye apt to wander when 
it starts in the direction of the pouch. 

When I spoke to Simon of returning to work, 
he was for me to take a longer rest, but I was 
keen to be in harness once more. 

^^Weel, if ye maun, ye maun,” Simon said 
at last. ‘‘ Yedl have mind, maybe, that I said, 
when you first came, that we would either mak’ 
a spoon or spoil a horn of ye. Ye’ll be glad to 
ken that I think ye’re makin’ a grand spoon — 
a better spoon than I ever hoped for. There 
will be no more porter’s work for ye, Duras, 
ye’ve risen above all that kind of thing ; but 
mind ye, for all that, it was the best kind of 
beginning ye could have made. So' ye’ll start 
in the counting-house the morn, and if ye get 
on as well there as ye’ve done already, in the 
course of time there may be higher things for 
ye than a clerk’s stool.” 


148 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR, 


This was grand news, and I told him that. 

'' No’ more than ye deserve, lad,'’ he replied, 
kindly. A man that grudges neither his time 
nor his body for his master's service has a right 
to look for reward at his master's hands." 

I was taken aback by his warmth, for Simon 
was never a man to speak much at all, far less 
warmly, and with a good deal of emotion I told 
him I had never deserved half what he gave me. 

I'm the best judge of that, Duras," he said, 
and then paused for a little in thought. 

He gave a look or two in my direction, and 
appeared undecided about some matter in his 
mind, till at length he came to some decision, 
and said to me : 

Since it seems, Duras, that we're to be 
much together, it'll maybe be as well to give 
ye some kind of knowledge of what manner of 
man I am. With another man I would have 
allowed him to find out for himself, and if he 
judged aright, well and good; if wrongly, then 
the worse for him. But for you I have, as well 
I might, a kindliness. Now, lad, I am an ill 
man at taking favours. I canna rest quietly 
under them at all. They disturb me, and 


I GET PROMOTED. 


149 


render me one minute too kind and the next 
too cruel. Maybe poring over ledgers with 
their eternal pro and contra has made me deal 
with life as with an account. Whatever be its 
cause, at any rate that’s what it comes to. 
For the repose of my mind I am forced to 
balance a favour pro with a like favour contra, 
and close the account. It’s a hard creed — 
some would call it a cruel creed — but it’s mine, 
and that’s all I’m trying to mak’ ye under- 
stand. There’s no generosity in it, and there’s 
little Christianity ; but when a man cannot 
rely on his generosity, and sair misdoubts his 
Christianity, there might be a worse way found 
than mine, which, at least, gives measure for 
measure, if it does not give a luck-penny into 
the bargain. Do' ye get a grip of what I mean, 
Duras ? ” 

Faith, and I would be dull if I did not, 
Maister Carter,” I replied. Between man 
and man with no sentiment coming atween, it 
comes to this. For a favour which ye overrate, 
ye do me a great kindness, and all ye ask in 
return is that I should not calculate on further 
favours until I have earned them. Ye pay me 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR, 


150 

with a hundredfold, and ask that I should call 
the account square.” 

'' Fm glad to see ye have the sense I gave 
ye credit for, lad,” said Simon, giving me one 
of those rare smiles which seldom came to him 
save when he was with Rose. 

Then we start clear again, Duras ? ” he 
added, rising. 

'‘Faith and we don’t,” I cried; "for if your 
ledger shows it balanced, mine shows a great 
sum to your credit, and, by heaven, Simon 
Carter, Fll work it off.” 

" Duras,” he said, " I am a wee feared ye’ll 
never mak’ a guid business man. Ye are too 
warm-hearted — and kind,” he added, giving 
me a little touch on the shoulder familiarly as 
he went out. 

Now, I think I must still have been a little 
lightheaded, for there and then I rushed up to 
the room where Rose was, and, with a wild 
dance, told her the good news. 

" Fm a clerk. Rose, a clerk ! ” I cried, dancing 
the more vigorously. 

^ Oh, good lad ! ” she answered back, with 
such warmth that I threw restraint aside and. 


I GET PROMOTED. 


ISI 

catching her round the waist, made her, in 
nowise tardy, join me in my dance of triumph. 

In our mad circuit we had just got near the 
door, when, of a sudden, it opened, and Simon 
Carter appeared. 

“ My faith,” he cried, with a twinkle in his 
eye, “ this is bonny, bonny conduct for a clerk 
and daughter of mine ! ” 

I stood stockstill like a sheep, but Rose ran 
up to him and, throwing her arms round his 
neck, cried : 

“ Oh, father, ye’re a dear ! ” 

He gave a look down at her, and said : 

“ And ye’re an arch-hypocrite. Rose.” 

Then he glanced in my direction with a look 
in his eyes which, ever recurring, I could never 
fathom, and at this time as little as before. 


CHAPTER XIX. 


CAPTAIN IVY MAN N E R S . 

Now I must pass over, with only a few 
words, the two years that followed. Years 
they were to me of hard work and of little 
play, but years of success in the business. 
The smattering of French and Dutch that my 
mother and father had instilled into me (little 
dreaming at the time they would ever be put 
to so much use) now stood me in good stead, 
so that from a junior’s stool I rose to a higher, 
and from thence to a higher still, in that I was 
removed from the ordinary work of the clerk 
and given the position of confidential clerk to 
Simon. It was a difficult post to fill; but by 
dint of hard, unwearying work, I had the 
fortune to gain his favour, and, by-and-by, 
found myself gradually gaining importance in 
the house. 

With Rose it was different. For all the rise 


152 


CAPTAIN IVY MANNERS. 


153 


I had made in her esteem, I was not a whit nearer 
her heart. I need not say that so bluntly, 
for whiles I thought she did love me a little 
bit, but oftener I had good reason to know she 
did not. Nearly every night I laid me down 
in my bed wishing that I had been brought up 
among women, that I might have a knowledge 
of their ways. 

My mother was the most honest woman on 
earth; she had no “ kinks ” in her way of 
thinking, and little change in her thoughts. 
When she said a thing, one had not to spend 
weary weeks puzzling out her meaning, and if 
she meant it, and if she meant it not, why she 
had said it. But the wondrous ways of Rose 
made my mother’s life an ill guide to follow, or 
rather no guide at all; so I had to find my way 
as best I might, by my leelane self, and a 
dreary work I had of it, though none so dreary 
at times. 

Now, I have heard far-travelled sailors tell 
of seas that were pleasanter than heart could 
imagine, so that lulled by the long swell, and 
idle by reason of the fair winds, they would 
give themselves over to dreams. Suddenly, 


154 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR, 


perchance in the night, the murmur of the 
wind among the sheets would grow shriller, 
like the cry of one of our coast birds at the 
approach of dirty weather, and ere hand could 
be stretched out to lighten her spread of canvas, 
over the bit barque would heel, till the waters 
seemed banked up over her bulwark. If, by 
God’s grace, her masts went in time, she would 
recover, and go before the gale, a helpless hulk, 
driving no man could say where. 

I had been sailing in pleasant seas, for me, 
with all the little canvas I possessed in full 
spread, and had even thought myself within 
hail of my port, when Captain Ivy Manners 
came by and made a full mess of my poor 
barque. 

Fool that I was, I heeded not, or heard not, 
the shrill whistle of warning in the air, but 
meeting him on the quay one day, fell into 
pleasant intercourse with him, and was mightily 
entertained by his stories and knowledge of far 
seas and countries, of the trade that was open 
to the daring trader, of jewels and gold to be 
purchased for a toy. I will not deny I was 
taken with the man. In every point he was 


CAPTAIN IVY MANNERS. 


155 


the facsimile of my ideal man, an ideal that 
every young man sets up in his heart, and tries 
to live up to, if only in appearance. Daring to 
rashness, but with a judgment ever as quick as 
his sword, possessed of an imagination that 
led him out of the dull and ordinary ways of 
traders, and which had nothing of the wild 
dreamer’s vain speculation in it, but which cast 
aside by instinct all that was visionary, and 
acted only on those ideas which were based on 
grounds giving at least some hope of happy 
fulfilment. 

Such a character did Captain Manners dis- 
play to me on our first meeting, and, looking 
back, I think there was little wonder I did my 
best to further our acquaintance. In appear- 
ance he was what women would call handsome, 
and what men would call “ well set up.” If he 
lacked a few inches of my height, his limbs 
were in better proportion, and gave promise of 
a quickness in action that would take a man 
further than mere strength. His head was very 
small, and this gave a delicacy to his features 
which added to their beauty, if the word were 
applicable to a man such as he. His face was 


156 FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 

not tanned and weather-beaten as his voyage 
might have caused, but, instead, had simply 
turned to a dark brown, while its softness was 
untouched. His eyes were black, and while he 
spoke very brilliant; but, if he were thinking, 
they quickly lost their brilliancy and became 
almost lustreless, lending an air of melancholy 
that was strangely fascinating in one of such 
an energetic disposition. 

After one or two such meetings, he besought 
me in a merry way to lend him my company 
as much as possible, as solitude was a weary 
comrade to an old tar waiting till his sister ship 
would come, adding that ‘‘ it was seldom such 
two chance comrades sailed together as well 
as we.’’ Accordingly I made him acquainted 
with Simon Carter, and he, seeing in my com- 
panion a means of gaining some knowledge of 
a trade that was then in its infancy, made 
much of him, and soon Captain Manners was 
a welcome visitor at Simon’s house. 

It was like a play to sit and hear Rose and 
Captain Manners breaking lances across the 
table at each other; at quip and quibble he 
was nearly her match, and for long enough I 


CAPTAIN IVY MANNERS. 


157 


could only sit and laugh, admiring her quick 
wit and wondering at his cleverness where I 
was so dull. Simon would sit and listen also, 
sometimes joining in a sally, but more often 
changing the subject to one of greater interest 
to a merchant, and willingly was he answered. 
Manners, with as spirited an utterance as when 
he talked to Rose, would tell us of his wonderful 
voyages, of the strange doings of people of 
whom we before had heard little, of sights to 
him common, but to us nearly incredible, and 
ever running through his talk a thread of gold 
appeared that added zest to two of the listeners. 
Even Rose was silent, and listened open-eyed 
as to the magic of his talk. That wondrous 
El Dorado was unveiled to us, and the madness 
of its beauty and wealth crept into our brains. 
What power to the possessor thereof ! Before 
us was a man who had seen it, ay, and had 
brought back more than the image of it with 
him, for casually and with little ostentation he 
showed us specimens of stones and trinkets of 
gold, of which, according to his story, he had 
enough to make more needless, if once his 
consort came into port. 


158 FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR, 

For days and days he held us spellbound, 
and I, with my drunken imagination, never 
gave a glance to the friendship that was gaining 
ground fast between Rose and Manners. The 
awakening came with the knowledge that Rose 
was fonder of a quiet talk with him in the 
window-seat than of a merry joust at the table 
with their mock weapons of quip and crank. 

Sudden was the flitting of my dreams of gold 
when the dream of my heart was in jeopardy, 
and bitter draught was the knowledge that I 
myself had brought my rival into the house 
and to her. 

Once suspicion is aroused it is soon nourished, 
and a tale one of the maids told me regarding 
the long visits of the Captain to the house when 
business called Simon and me elsewhere in- 
creased my fear. I could do little to prevent 
these occurring, but at least managed to shorLen 
them by well-timed interruptions. 

Sometimes when the night was mild for the 
spring of the year. Manners would propose a 
walk to Rose, and if she consented, though 
uninvited, I accompanied them. I found and 
knew myself to be anything but an addition to 


CAPTAIN IVY MANNERS. 


159 


their conversation; yet I persevered, for I am 
nothing if not dogged. To me each of these 
walks was like a journey through the Pit of 
Torment, for among two such good talkers I 
made but a sorry appearance. I could take no 
ofifence at the Captain, for invariably if I broke 
in upon their conversation he would be silent 
and listen to my observation, however slight, 
with attention, reply to it courteously, and wait 
for a further remark from me. If none was 
forthcoming, he would resume his subject where 
he had left ofif. 

There is no better weapon than politeness. 
It is a blade of a most perfect temper and 
balance in good hands, and Captain Manners 
was a master in its use. At each outbreak on 
my part I felt I was given the attention that 
perchance a spoiled child receives from its 
doting parents, and then placed back in my 
proper position. At each set-back the demon 
within me raged the louder, and grew more 
incapable than ever of wielding a like weapon. 
Like a bull I could only roar and make a blind 
rush into notice, where I had better have 
remained in silence. All this I knew, yet could 


i6o 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 


not act upon by reason of my jealousy. All 
this I knew, yet I was led further and further 
into the part of one who will neither listen 
quietly to a conversation nor add to its pleasure, 
and still I persisted and laid myself open as 
a target for the frowns and snubs of Rose. 
What sort of figure I cut at that time even yet 
I little care to look back upon, and if the con- 
templation gives me pain now you can have 
some knowledge of what the actual undergoing 
of it was like. 


CHAPTER XX. 


THINGS COMING TO A HEAD. 

One night I fairly lost heart during the walk 
in the evening that had now become a 
custom with the three of us. Repeated jeers 
from Rose at my unfortunate remarks had 
driven me mad, and, like a sulky dog, I stopped 
suddenly, announcing my intention of returning 
homeward. 

“ But we had settled to go as far as the Bear’s 
Cliff,” said Rose. 

“ Don’t let my going shorten your walk,” I 
replied, stiffly. 

“ But it will,” she cried. 

“ Why ? ” I asked. 

“ Because we would have lost our sheep-dog.” 

“ That’s an ill word from ye, cousin.” 

“ Do ye no think it’s kinna true, Davie ? ” 

“ Was it for ye to say it ? ” I asked, warmly. 

Meanwhile Captain Manners had been laugh- 

161 


1 62 FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR, 

ing quietly to himself since the sheep-dog ” 
had been mentioned, and, with a fever of rage 
in my blood, I turned to him. 

Ye seem amused. Captain Manners ! ’’ I 
cried. 

I am that,’’ he replied, quietly. 

Forcing myself to a like calm, I said : 

Might I ask what ye find so very amusing? ” 

He reflected for a moment or two, and then 
said in his ordinary conversational tone : 

It’s sometimes difflcult to exactly tell what 
it is that amuses one, but it was ' sheep-dog ’ 
that made me laugh.” 

Ay, was that so?” I asked, between my teeth. 

'' It was that, Duras.” 

Takin’ it in connection wi’ me, maybe ? ” 
I asked. 

My dear Duras, not by any means,” he re- 
plied. 

I waited for him to go on, but as he did not 
I said : 

Maybe you would favour me wi’ the cause 
of your amusement, then, and we might help 
ye in the laughing ? ” 

Speak for yourself, Davie ! ” cried Rose, 


THINGS COMING TO A HEAD. 163 

angrily. I have no desire to hear it. Surely 
yedl let your flock bleat without needing a 
minute account of what caused it ? ’’ 

Maybe ye would favour me wi" the cause 
of your amusement, Captain Manners ? ” I 
repeated. 

Willingly, my dear Duras,’’ he said, heartily. 
‘^Most willingly will I do so, though I fear me 
that I am easier raised to merriment than you 
are; in which case ye may see little humour in 

the story. It was about a sheep-dog ” 

Another ? ” Rose cried, bitterly. 

About a sheep-dog who took sO' much care 
of one particular sheep in his master’s flock, 
that what with following it about always, and 
aye barking at it, the silly sheep-dog fairly 
drove the poor sheep crazy; sq that one day, 
to be rid of it, the sheep jumped over a cliff 
into the sea. Of course ye know that where 
one of the flock go the rest are apt to follow, 
so the next sheep took the same airt ; and 
guidness only knows what would have happened 
to the rest had not the shepherd come up at 
the time and knocked the silly sheep-dog dead 
with his staff/’ 


1 64 FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 

Ha ! ha ! ha ! ’’ I laughed. It’s a grand 
story, and nae wonder ye were amused, Captain. 
But ye hae stopped laughing. Have ye lost 
the humour of it already ? Maybe I could help 
ye to see it again ? ” I added, going nearer to 
him. 

'' My thanks to ye,” he said, quietly. Per- 
haps I will ask your assistance on some other 
occasion; but at present, remember there is a 
lady present who has lost interest in the story.” 

Your pardon. Cousin Rose,” I said, bowing 
to her, and offering her my arm. Shall we 
be stepping homeward ? ” 

My dull brain was quickened at the first sign 
of action. It was ever thus with me. As long 
as the road was the dreary turnpike of talk I 
was as ungainly and slow as a three-legged 
horse; but let it once change to action, then up 
hill and down dale I went as spirited as a four- 
year-old. 

Even though Rose refused my proffered arm 
it did not damp me in the least, and even 
though her words showed me how offended she 
was they fell harmlessly ; for my heart was 
glowing with the thought that, churl though I 


THINGS COMING TO A HEAD. 165 

had been in conversation, I could prove my- 
self a man when words changed to action. 

Ay, I think we might as well step hame,’’ 
she said. The night air seems neither im- 
proving to Davie's conversation nor to his 
politeness." 

We turned our steps homeward, and never a 
look nor word did Rose give me; but, walking 
with her proud, bonny head held high, she gave 
her whole attention to her talk with Manners. 

What did I care ? My head was too full of 
hatred to the man to be affected. Surely as 
the stars were above me, I promised myself the 
pleasure of running him through the neck that 
very night. I was mad against the man. Up 
to this in every point he had had the best of 
me. Up to this he had managed to put me in 
the wrong in her sight, for ever relegating me 
to the place of an ignorant intruder. Oh, but 
the anticipation was sweet ! I mused on it long; 
then, though unsatiated, I began to give a little 
more heed to what they were saying. 

But, Captain Manners," said Rose, lightly, 
in all your stories there is never an appearance 
of the Spanish girls, who, I am told, are 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR, 


1 66 

wondrously beautiful in this El Dorado. Why 
is this ? Come, now, confess.” 

‘‘ Man had never so charming a confessor,” 
he replied, gazing at her with his great black 
eyes admiringly (and I hated him the more for 
the look). ‘‘ But alack for my reputation as a 
story-teller, I am no maiden-killer, and,” — here 
his voice lost its lightness of tone, and became 
deep and low with a grim suffering echoing in 
it, so that even I could almost have believed it 
true, — and when I love, I love till death. Ye 
say true, I tell not of Spanish maids, and if ye 
knew all ye would well know why.” 

“ Forgive me. Captain Manners,” said Rose, 
softly. 

Nay, Mistress Rose,” he said, smiling, and 
his voice still remaining the same. Pain 
on my part is no excuse for neglecting your 
slightest desire. Ye have asked me for a 
story of a Spanish maid. I will tell ye one, 
only forgive me if it is short and the words 
blunt. Three years ago it was, but three 
years are little to bury the sorrow in. I met 
her in Carthagena. My ship lay quiet in a 
bay some fifty miles up the coast. I speak 


THINGS COMING TO A HEAD. 167 


Spanish, and, as ye see, could well pass for a 
Spaniard in appearance. My mission was 
forgot in my love for her. Rumour rose that I 
was not of their religion, but fast as it grew, 
my love for her grew faster; and — she loved 
me. I quieted the rumours for a time.’' 

'' How ? ” asked Rose, sadly, guessing, I 
thought, the manner of it. 

My love for her was stronger than my faith. 
To gain time I became a proselyte.” 

'' Ah ! ” said Rose, with an intaking of breath. 

I tell ye all, ye see,” he said, sadly. 

Go on,” she replied, in almost whispers. 

And one gave witness that I was still un- 
orthodox, and we fled. Fifty miles to my ship, 
and we went twenty the first day. The bed that 
was to be our bridal bed was on the banks of 
the Santa Maria. We had been closely watched, 
however, and ere even the sun went down 
they were upon us. Three Spaniards and some 
Indians. The cowards would not come to me, 
but cried to the Indians to shoot. They drew 
their bows and shot. My love stepped before, 
and I was unharmed, but she was dead. 
Something snapped in my brain. I stayed not 


i68 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 


with her, but in my madness drew my sword 
and ran into them. No weapon touched me, 
though many were aimed, and I slew till they 
fled in terror of the madman. Unmolested I 
buried my love and gained my ship.” 

His voice had been low and deep, never 
changing in its monotony, as if he had laid a 
strong restraint upon it. 

When he had finished Rose made no sign, 
save that a deep sigh came from her at the end. 

“ With her I buried all that was dear in life 
to me,” he went on. “ And my heart also, I 
had thought — till now.” 

The two last words were said in a whisper 
so low that I, who was never meant to hear 
them, could hardly have been sure of their 
purport if I had not seen the motion of his 
lips. 

Seemingly Rose had not heard them, for she 
made no sign, but walked on in silence until we 
came to the door. 

She wished the Captain a guid-e'en there, and 
then waited for me to come in. 

‘‘ ril be in in a little, Rose,” I said. 

Come just now,” she said, masterfully. 


THINGS COMING TO A HEAD. 169 


I have business/’ I replied, turning away. 

Doubtful business it must be at this time 
of the night,” she jeered. 

So be it,” I said, taking a step or two. 

Her hand was on my shoulder in an instant. 

Is it with Captain Manners ? ” she asked. 

ril tell ye when I come back,” I said. 

‘‘ Davie, let bygones be bygones.” 

Guid-night,” I said again. 

“ You’re blind, Davie,” she said, very softly. 

But no deaf. Rose,” I said. 

I could not fathom the depth of her remark, 
and answered with the words that came first to 
my tongue. 

And no dumb, Davie, and that’s the pity 
o’t,” she answered, with a return to her ill- 
humour. Will ye no come in, Davie ? Have 
ye no regard for my name, that ye should be so 
quick to connect it with drawn swords in the 
dark ? ” 

It’s no that dark,” I replied, absently, 
watching Manners, who was just turning the 
corner. 

When I ask ye to stay, Davie, I think ye 
might,” she said, with a pleading sort of tone 


170 FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR, 

in her voice that was strangely comforting to 
me, though I hardly gave any attention to the 
words. 

‘‘ In this I must have my ain way,’’ I said, and 
went from her. 

She came by my side for a step or two, with 
her hands busy on my coat; but so intent was 
I on my revenge, that it was not till next 
morning I saw a little knot of ribbon of her 
favourite colour had found a resting-place in a 
buttonhole of my coat. I stood wondering if I 
had been sleep-walking, as was once my habit 
as a boy; then I wondered if this was what she 
had done when we were parting. And for long 
enough afterwards I wondered what had made 
her do it. 


CHAPTER XXL 


MY DUEL WITH IVY MANNERS. 

When I made up to Manners, he was just 
at the door of his lodgings. At the sound of 
my footsteps he turned round and said in a sur- 
prised tone, '' Duras ? ’’ 

''Ye seem surprised,’’ I said. " Did ye no ex- 
pect me ? ” 

" No,” he answered, simply; then added, 
" but ye’re always welcome.” 

"We are ower late now. Captain Ivy Manners, 
there’s nae need to pick and choose our words; 
in faith, little need of words at all.” 

"Ye’re speaking in riddles, my dear Duras,” 
he said. 

" What ! ” I cried, " after what was said this 
night, d’ye mean to say ye ken na my errand ? ” 

" Ye’re pardon, my dear Duras, if I am 
stupid,” he replied, " but what did happen this 
very night ? ” 


172 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 


I was called a sheep-dog ! I said, hotly. 

Well, but was it I who said it ? '' he expos- 
tulated, gently. 

No,’’ I said. 

Then how can I be affected with the 
matter ? ” he said, easily, even in his cool, 
gentlemanly manner, that drove the blood to 
my head, because I could not break through 
the mask. 

But ye laughed,” I said. 

'' I admit it,” he said, '' and still I can find 
no offence to ye in my laughter since I gave 
the satisfaction of explaining the cause. I am 
sorry ye found the story not to your taste.” 

The story, as a story, was well enough, but 
the application of it has offended me bitterly.” 

'' Application ? ” he asked. What appli- 
tion ? ” 

We might have gone on for all night with 
this wordy skirmish, and very probably I would 
never have caused him to lose his temper, so I 
brought the matter to a close. 

It requires a tremendous power of words to 
mak’ ye draw,” I said, clearly and suddenly. 

His eyes lost their look of calm insolence, 


MY DUEL WITH IVY MANNERS. 


173 


and he darted at me a glance that showed what 
manner of man lay beneath the gentlemanly 
skin. Then, in a moment, the eyes resumed 
their calmness. 

'' My bit blade is seldom sweart to come at 
first call,’’ he said. But man, Duras, I had a 
kind of liking for ye as a comrade, and would 
be glad to do ye a service.” 

Troth, if that is all that holds ye back,” I 
cried, ye needna hesitate, for the greatest ser- 
vice ye could do me is to come with me to a 
quiet spot and hae a bit play with the swords.” 

'' Well, if ye’re determined to fasten the 
quarrel on me,” he said, I suppose I must give 
ye the opportunity.” 

Now I had remarked a pleasant little stretch 
of shore where the sand was firmer to the feet 
than ordinary, and as it was free of the town I 
led the Captain thither. Never a word passed 
between us on our way, and when we arrived 
there, we stripped our coats ofif in silence and 
to the work we went. 

The stars were clear, and the light they gave 
was sufficient, if barely so, for our purpose. 

At the first few cautious passes, good fencer 


174 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 


though I knew myself, I found in Captain 
Manners I had got my equal, if not my master. 
Light and deft his every action was, with 
curious foreign tricks in his play that made me 
take good heed to my guard. Though I knew it 
might cost me dear, I could not but admire 
the science with which he utilised to the 
utmost the particular advantage of his limbs; 
for, though I was longer in the reach than he, 
and taller, heavier, and more muscular, by his 
quick realisation of these features he was able 
to neutralise them by the method of his tactics. 

I fought for a time very carefully until I 
could get at an understanding of my opponent’s 
style and his weakest points, and came to the 
conclusion that his wrist, supple though it 
might be, was a little weak. Accordingly, I 
attacked but little, and when I did I thrust 
strongly, but in the main let him do the most 
of the fighting, trusting in my strength to out- 
stay him. 

He must have seen through my idea, for 
presently he began to talk, meaning, I suppose, 
if possible, to make me lose in coolness what I 
gained in temper — a method that is foreign to 


MY DUEL WITH IVY MANNERS. 


175 


our own mode of duels, where nothing else but 
the clash of steel on steel and the hard breath- 
ing of the swordsmen is heard. In ordinary 
affairs, at times I may be passionate enough, 
but in fencing never. Little use was I at the 
first when my master took me in hand ; but 
even then he discovered my temperament, and 
had done his best to make it keep pace with 
my gathering knowledge of the art, and with 
success too. So I could afford to let Manners 
talk, though every covert sneer should have 
stung me to the quick had not revenge for all 
made his immediate words a trifle in the 
weighing. 

Yedl observe, Duras, this ploy’s of your 
own making. What ye mean by it I ken to be 
a mistake. Think ye that she cares for me as 
much as she cares for your little finger? Perhaps 
ye think we have been ower much together 
lately ? Well, we’ve had fine times of it. But 
d’ye ken whose name was oftenest on her lips, 
Duras ? I think ye can guess. It was yours, 
Davie. It was Davie did this, and Davie can 
do that, till I was fair sick of the name ! ” 

I got in a strong thrust here, which he parried 


176 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 


well ; but, methought, hardly so strong as at 
first. 

'' Did ye not hear the story I told to-night ? 
Can ye think I would have told the maid that I 
had loved so well already, if I had meant to sue 
for her heart ? Think ye that she would have 
one whose heart was dead ? Nay, and ye know 
it, too. What she desires is the first love of 
some country lad, who will ne’er think of 
worshipping other than at her shrine. Ye know 
it, Duras, that what she would prize is such a 
first love — a heart that has never had the 
chance of being touched by other than she : 
a heart to be desired, Duras, though some 
would think it a trifle raw. Can ye think 
I would have told her my story, Duras, and 
me knowing that ? But perhaps ye were not 
listening to my poor tale ? Maybe ye heard it 
not ? ” ^ 

‘‘ I heard more than ye imagine,” I said, 
slowly, enraged none; but simply to taunt him 
with the knowledge that his finessing was none 
so clever after all. 

Did ye so ? ” he said, quickly; and, though 
I thought his wrist was tired, of a sudden he 


MY DUEL WITH IVY MANNERS. 


177 


Stooped a little forward — with a trick unknown 
to me, he engaged my sword for a second, and 
next moment I felt it twisted from my hand 
with a great wrench. 

Though the manner of it was unknown to me, 
yet Jock Hay in one of our talks had warned 
me of the possibility of it, and the attitude of 
the swordsman whom he had seen make it. 
Consequently, though I was unable to prevent 
ir, yet I was warned by Captain Manners’ 
position to expect something of the kind, and 
was quick to spring back to avoid the accom- 
panying thrust. He touched me in the arm, 
and but slightly. My sword lay on the sand 
a few feet from me, and I sprang to try and 
regain it. Manners made for it also, but quick 
as thought I dealt a blow with my fist on his 
right shoulder that landed fairly and made him 
stagger back a few paces. 

Why he had not tried to kill me in the 
moment I was unarmed I could not understand. 
Probably he deemed himself so secure in his 
advantage that he did not think it needful to 
have blood on his hands that might interfere 
with his plans. At any rate it was his mistake. 


178 FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 

for, with a hurried scramble, I caught up my 
blade and was his match again. 

My blow had been severe, for while one could 
count thirty his right arm hung limp by his 
side, while with his left hand he kept con- 
tinually chafing the bruised shoulder. 

Then he came forward and we crossed blades 
again. His eyes glared at me viciously. All 
the nobility of his face was gone, and it seemed 
more the face of an angry devil. 

Outwitted by a fool,” he muttered. God 
in heaven, but ye shall pay dearly for that 
blow ! I meant to chasten ye for your insolence 
in daring to come between my fancy and me, 
but now I will kill you. Dost hear, knave ? 
Kill you ! ” 

I answered him back never a word. The 
fighting had turned to dead earnest. His wrist 
was a little tired, his shoulder barely so lithe in 
action as it had been; but now I saw him put 
forth his whole skill into the fight, and I blessed 
the chance that had made it come so late, for 
had he fought at first as he fought now, surely 
I had been a dead man. 

He, too, was silent now. With the exertion 


MY DUEL WITH IVY MANNERS. 179 

of the few minutes since the recommencement 
the sweat started out on his forehead. I began 
to make more play. To gain a little time to 
recover the full use of his arm he gave back a 
pace or two. I pressed him hardly and again 
he gave back. Stoutly I thrust, and never for 
a moment lending him the chance of engaging 
my sword in another such trick as he had 
already played me. 

A glorious rush of blood through my body 
kept each nerve and sinew in perfect action. 
Few moments in life are so delicious as when 
one begins to feel that victory is at hand in a 
hard-fought struggle. 

Manners gained relief for a second and 
changed his sword from his right to his left 
hand. Some swordsmen there are who can do 
this and fight as well, and, from Manners’ 
action, I feared it was so in his case. 

I pressed all the more hardly, and one other 
pace did he retreat. From the narrow stretch 
of sand the fight had carried us, and his foot 
landed on a small slimy rock. He staggered 
for a moment, and might have recovered ; but 
I seized the chance, and thrust straight and 


i8o 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 


strong to him. His guard was useless. The 
point of my sword struck over his heart — but 
did not pierce. 

My blade snapped through two inches from 
the point. The blow had caught him as he 
staggered, and he fell backwards. His head 
struck against a rock with a sickening thud, 
and he lay quiet. 

I stood over him, and tore the shirt from his 
breast. As I had guessed when my blade 
broke, the foul rogue wore a shirt of mail of 
the finest links (finer I have never seen) under 
the cambric. 

He lay at my mercy, worsted in a fair fight, 
and worsted in a foul. Unconscious he lay 
there at my feet : a traitor against all the laws 
of gentlemen, whatever he might be besides. 

Would I strike ? I asked myself, and I had 
up-lifted my sword, when I turned away. I 
would have no such carrion blood on my blade. 
So I left him where he lay; the foulness of his 
treachery had sickened me. I knew not 
whether he was ill hurt or little hurt, nor at 
the moment did I care. 


CHAPTER XXII. 


I FALL IN WITH JOCK HAY AGAIN. 

Heroics do not suit plain traders, and I soon 
found this out, for when I got back to the 
house who should be awaiting my return but 
Simon Carter ; and he was an ill man to keep 
waiting. 

“ It’s maist extraordinary, Duras,” he cried, 
“ that ye, of all men, should have chosen this 
night for your gallivanting ! What’s kept ye ? ” 

“ I’m no sure whether to tell ye or no,” I 
said. 

“ Would it dae ony guid if I kent ? ” he said. 

“ I canna see where it would mak’ a differ,” 
I replied. 

“ Then dinna tell me, Duras,” he said ; “ for 
with the press of matters for the morn, my 
head’s just as fou as it can be. Tak’ baud o’ 
these,” he cried, passing on to me a number of 
papers and books. “ I’ve waited on ye for twa 

i8i 


1 82 FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 

hours, during which time I hae tried to gae 
ower them mysel’ but hae failed. They're 
some of your new-fangled book-keeping, and I 
can mak' neither head nor tail o' them. I've 
mislaid your statement anent the gold that's 
coming frae Edinburgh the morn to ship in the 
Marie. I can lay my hand on it naewhere, so 
ye maun just buckle to and mak' me a new 
ane." 

I looked a little blank at his request, for it 
was a good three hours' work, and even as we 
spoke the watchman cried the midnight hour. 

I canna help it," he replied, in answer to 
my look. Ye ken as well as I dae that the 
convoy will be here at six the morn, and I'll 
need it then. Come and I'll gie ye a hand." 

I'll manage it fine myself, Maister Carter," 
I said, for I wished for a minute or two's space 
in which to put my clothes to rights, and to put 
a bit plaster on my arm. 

From a duel to a wearisome desk is a good 
step, and it was in none so hearty a frame of 
mind that I began my work. However, it had 
got to be done, for, as he said, the Marie was 
to sail early in the next day, and he with it. 


I FALL IN WITH lOCK HAY AGAIN. 183 

carrying on board of her a more precious cargo 
than had ever sailed out of the Roads before. 

To make this matter plain, I will have to go 
further into detail than I would wish; but folk 
can ye pass oyer the next few words and take 
it for granted that the Marie was to sail for 
Anstruther with over 40,000 marks’ worth of 
coin and ingot on board, and Simon was to go 
in charge of it. 

Now the reason for this was, that a long 
winter of extreme cold had frozen the Danube, 
and even now it was doubtful if a ship could 
make her way in, but the merchants who had 
joined Simon in the charter had resolved to 
try. The custom was (as the custom is yet, I 
believe, while I write) for the Scots merchant 
to give certain bills in payment of his purchase 
in the Lowlands, and when he had returned to 
Scotland, to sell the goods. The moneys that 
he had then gained he carried with him to the 
Lowlands on his next visit, and redeemed his 
bills in exchange for the gold. Then he was at 
liberty to make new purchases, since his credit 
was thus restored. 

The uncommonly severe frost had, however, 


i 84 fighting for FAVOUR. 

interrupted their regular custom, and the bills 
were now more than overdue. Great incon- 
venience was also caused by the stoppage of 
new purchases, so that, on the whole, it was no 
wonder that they were keen to get the matter 
clear, for a merchant’s good name is in exact 
proportion to the strength of his credit. 

Sundry ships had aforetimes suffered from 
the attacks of pirates, that were anything but 
uncommon visitors round our shores, and the 
great sum to be transported had made the 
merchants so cautious that they had taken 
counsel among themselves. The outcome of 
their meeting was the charter of Simon’s boat 
the Marie, and also one of the King’s warships. 
The Murray, as a consort to guard the Marie 
from harm. On board the Marie were to be 
placed all the moneys that were due. More 
than a dozen merchants had joined in the com- 
pany, mainly of Anstruther and the neigh- 
bouring towns, but some from the length of 
Edinburgh. 

For the greater ensurement of safety the 
scheme had been kept a secret from all out- 
siders, and even among the servants of the 


I FALL IN WITH lOCK HAY AGAIN, 185 

merchants none knew of it save they who were 
to be trusted. The gold from Edinburgh was 
only to be sent at a time so near the sailing 
that, though the arrival of the precious cargo 
and its convoy of well-armed men might excite 
remark, and from its character let the secret 
out, yet it would be at too late a date to make 
the knowledge of advantage to any one who 
might be inclined to give information to the 
pirates of the contents of the Marie's hold. 

Roughly, that was how matters stood, and 
why I was wearily blinking over my books into 
the small hours. 

At last I totalled up my statement, and find- 
ing it correct, locked up the books and staggered 
to bed, too tired to give more than a thought to 
Captain Manners and his hard couch. 

I was awakened by Simon coming into my 
chamber in the morning. The broad light of 
day was streaming in by the window, betokening 
a late hour in the day for my arising; so, in 
confusion at my tardiness, I sprang up. 

I was in for ye at six, Duras,’’ said Simon. 

But you were sleeping so deep that I couldna 
find it in my heart tO' rouse ye.’’ 


i86 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 


Did ye get the paper ? ” I asked. 

Ay.’’ 

‘‘ But ye were to have sailed afore this ! ” I 
cried, anxiously. 

And canna weel sail before the complete- 
ment of their cargo,” said Simon, drily. ‘‘ And 
that’s what I’ve come to ye about. The 
convoy from Edinburgh is no here yet. Now, 
I dinna wish to let mair folk into the secret 
than I can help, for fear we are detained longer 
in the port than we ken of; so I want ye to get 
a horse saddled and ride up the road till ye meet 
the convoy, and hasten them here by all that’s 
in your power.” 

If ye get a horse saddled for me. I’ll be ready 
to mount as soon as it comes round,” I said. 

Best break your fast, lad,” said Simon, 
going to the door. '' The next tide is no till 
seven o’clock, and gin ye canna bring them in 
time to catch the present ane, let them dwaddle 
along the road as much as ye like. It’ll gie 
rise to less remark if they come in here about 
five o’clock, than leaving them lounging about 
the town all the day. Two hours will be plenty 
of time to check the moneys.” 


I FALL IN WITH JOCK HAY AGAIN. 187 


One of the maids gave me some breakfast, 
and of Rose I saw nothing, save that, as I was 
riding away, I thought I caught a glimpse of 
her face at an upper window. 

I rode on for three hours, expecting every 
moment to catch a sight of the horses, but it 
was not till I had got near Dysart that I met 
them. To my surprise and delight, who should 
be in command of the convoy but Jock Hay, 
accompanied by a corps of six dour, wiry old 
war dogs ! 

“ Man, Jock, but I’m glad to see ye ! ” I cried 
out to him. 

“ Duras,” he said, in astonishment, “ I was 
half in hopes I might see ye, but I never 
thought of seeing ye here. Where are ye bound 
for ? ” 

“ I’ve just come to misca’ ye for a’ the loiter- 
ing deevils upon earth, muckle Jock Hay. 
What has kept ye ? ” 

“ Dinna blame me, Duras,” he replied. “ It 
was nane o’ my fault. Ane o’ the merchants in 
Edinburgh, and just the ane that has aye been 
urging the other anes no to be late, found it a 
gey difficult matter to get his ain gowd ready 


l88 FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 

in time. I doubt it has raxed the bit mannie 
sairly; but IVe got the gowd, and I suppose 
that’s a’ ye care for ? ” 

And how’s a’ wi’ ye, Jock ? I’ve written 
ye several letters, did ye get nane o’ them ? ” 

‘‘ I did that, Duras,” Jock said, assuming a 
confidential tone. But the fact is, I hae got 
oot o’ the way o’ using a pen; and, man, I was 
aye saying to mysel’ — ‘ Never you mind, Jock, 
ane o’ thae days ye’ll be putting a leg ower 
your mare and takin’ a bit daunder up and see 
Duras face to- face, and that will be a hantle 
sicht better than scrape scrapin’ awa’ wi’ a pen, 
doubtfu’ o’ what ye want to say, and mair 
doubtfu’ if he’ll mak’ oot what ye have said. 
Sae, Duras, I aye fell a victim to that conceit, 
and sair has it held me in its fell grip.” 

‘‘ Hoo’s the guidwife, Jock ? ” I asked. 

‘‘ Oh, she’s neither up nor doun the noo,” 
said Jock, but mair inclined to be doun,” he 
added mystically. Ye see there’s twa bairns 
already, sonsy bit rampagin’ chiels, and we took 
the liberty, Duras, o’ ca’in’ ane o’ them ^ Davie,’ 
after ye.” 

And so the talk ran on, and a fine crack we 


I FALL IN WITH lOCK HAY AGAIN, 189 


had o’ it till we came to Largo, where we had 
some dinner. 

It was about five o’clock when we arrived at 
Anstruther. 

There was little time to be lost, so I had to let 
Jock fend for himself while I gave Simon a hand 
at the checking of the Edinburgh moneys. 

It tallied all right, and, while Simon was say- 
ing good-bye to Rose, I got the cases slung on 
board the Marie. 

Rose would fain have stayed by the ship till 
the last, but, as it was dark by that time, Simon 
bade her go home. 

At last the ropes were cast off the Marie, and 
she swung clear of the quay. The sails caught 
the favouring breeze, and in a little while she was 
hid from our sight. 

I turned to Jock with a sigh of relief, and to 
stretch our legs proposed to take a walk along 
the shore before turning in. 

I was just finishing telling Jock the story of 
my duel with Captain Manners, when the noise 
of footsteps on the shingle made me stop for a 
moment. I know not why. I peered into the 
dusk, but could discern nothing, and thinking 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 


190 

myself a fool for being so cautious, I was just 
about to step out again, when a muffled cry 
came to my ears. 

What’s that ? ” cried Jock. 

We stood still with ears alert. 

There was a sound of a scuffle in front of us, 
then out on the night wind ran a cry of : 

Help, Davie ! ” 

God ! It was Rose’s voice. Even in my ter- 
ror I felt my heart leap at the thought that mine 
was the name first on her lips in her dire need. 

I gave a wild shout and sprang forward 
quickly, and through the darkness I saw Rose 
flying towards me, while after her came four or 
five seamen. 


CHAPTER XXIII. 


THE RESCUE OF ROSE. 

“ Can you fecht, Jock ? ” I cried. 

“ A wee bit,” said Jock, coming neck and neck 
with me in the mad spurt towards her. 

“ Then fecht, Jock,” I panted, “ for this is her, 
mair to me than life or death.” 

“ Wha are the men ? ” Jock cried. 

“ Quid kens,” I replied, “ but I suspect the 
worst — that this is ane of Captain Manners’ 
tricks.” 

The new moon came out from behind a cloud, 
and shed a better light over the shore. 

“ Oh, my God ! she’s down ! ” I cried, as 
Rose tripped and fell her length on the sand. 

Jock and I were at our quickest, I thought ; 
but at my words, he made a gallant effort and 
sprang ahead of me. 

“ We’re in time ! ” he cried, with a catch in 
his voice, like the choke of a drowning man 


192 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 


when he comes to the surface for the last 
time. 

The blood was in my eyes, and my heart was 
like to burst its way out from under my ribs. 
.For a moment the earth swam round, and then 
I managed to get a full deep breath that re- 
stored me and cleared my sight in time to see 
Jock’s sword twinkle in the air. A ray of light 
seemed to spring out from his arm and light 
upon the neck of the seaman who stood over 
Rose’s body. The blood spurted out from the 
man’s jugular, so that both Jock and my love 
were drenched in this foul spray. 

Ane,” bayed Jock, like a hound on the track. 

Come on, ye cowards ! ” he cried to the rest, 
who hung back at the sight. Come on, ye 
chasers of women, ye dogs of the street ! Ye’re 
six to two now, and ye hang fire. Six rough- 
limbed tykes against twa simple, honest bodies, 
and ye hang fire. Come on, and we’ll fight you 
for love, we’ll fight ye for the maid, and God 
grant ye an easy crossing to hell, for ye’ll have 
a sair time of it there ! ” 

There was one behind the seamen, who now 
came among them, whom they seemed to fear 


THE RESCUE OF ROSE. 


193 


more than death itself, for at his first few words 
they burst towards us in a body. 

I got alongside Jock, and dried the palm of 
my hand for a better grip; giving my soul up 
to God in a prayer that had few words in it 
but muckle meaning, for though I would rather 
have lived for Rose, I cared not a tester which 
way the fight went so long as she won clear. 

When they were about six paces from us 
Jock let his sword-grip relax so that his blade 
hung from his wristlace, and pulling a pistol 
from his belt fired it into the heart of them. 
And one man sair regretted that he was there 
that night, for with a squeal this man sprang 
clean into the air and came down with his face 
into the sand. It was our luck that the man 
behind him tripped over his dead comrade, and 
so was delayed from taking part in the outset 
at the first. 

'' Twa ! yelled Jock. '' Wha’s gaun to be 
the third ? ’’ he cried to them with a great 
cordiality in his voice, that, strengthening as 
it was to me, was none so heartsome to them. 

What think ye o’ me ? ” cried one of the 
seamen, with a cast in his eyes, getting a pace 


194 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 


in front of his comrades, and no difficult matter 
either, for they were slockened a little in their 
thirst for blood. 

“ Dod ! ” said Jock. “ No muckle, if ye want 
my fair mind on’t,” and then their blades 
spoke. 

At this time I was getting busy with two 
men on my side, who kept up a continual dance 
about me, so that it was all I could do to keep 
them from getting to our backs. It was no 
time for fancy work, nor for heavy striking 
either, inasmuch as it was only by a constant 
menace of the point of my sword at their breasts 
that I managed to keep them from coming to 
close quarters, where their short cutlasses might 
have brought the matter to a sudden close. The 
fourth man I had lost sight of, but I imagined 
he had gone wide of us a little so that he might 
come up behind. 

“ It maun be awfu’ to be troubled wi’ a squint 
like that,” I heard Jock cry to his opponent. 
“ Dod, man, ye wad give yersel’ a fricht if ye 
saw yersel’ in the glass. I canna tell which 
way ye’re lookin’ at a’. Was that thrust 
meant for my wame or my neck ? Yer een 


THE RESCUE OF ROSE. 


195 


were on my wame, but Lord, yer point was 
to my neck. Man, but ye’re a brisksome bit 
fighter, but dae ye no think ye could manage a 
bit better if ye squinted nae mair ? ” 

“ I might,” said the seaman, his rough nature 
entering into the keen joy of thrusts of steel and 
thrusts of humour. 

“ I’m glad ye agree wi’ me, for ye’ll squint 
nae mair ! ” cried Jock, and with his words the 
clash of steel on steel ceased, and in its place 
there came a shearing sound ending in a short 
jar. A moment later a rustle in the sand as 
the body fell. 

“ Three ! ” yelled Jock. “ Who’s a’ wi’ ye, 
Duras ? Keep them aff a minute while I help 
the maid till her feet. Lord, but ye’re up, are 
ye, my maidie ? Weel, bide ye close by and 
dinna stray, for there’s something gaun on 
ahint us that’s waur nor what’s in front.” 

The fellow who had stumbled now came up to 
Jock and engaged his blade. 

“ Hech, but ye come late, man,” Jock cried. 
“ Hoo did ye leave yer friend ? I suppose ye 
ken ye’re gaun to keep him company ? ” 

“ Noo, my maidie, dinna spend a look on me. 


196 fighting for favour. 

i 

but keep yer een fixed on Duras, and yedl see 
a man fechtin'. It’s a’ cut and slash wi’ me, but 
watch him, and ye’ll see some guid judgment. 
We neither of us are quick wi’ the tongue, but 
oh, maidie, in this warld talking’s just like 
kitchen — tasty, but no nourishin’. But neither 
o’ us are slow when ^ Whingers oot ! ’ is the cry, 
and just see the difference between the talker 
and the fechter ! ” cried Jock, pointing to where 
the man who had urged the seamen on stood, 
wrapped in his boat-cloak. 

I ken,” said Rose, brokenly, and sair hae 
I rued my folly.” 

Rue it nane,” cried Jock; this is just what 
Duras wanted, I firmly believe, — the chance to 
show what he’s made o’.” 

'' Ah ! ” gasped Jock, a moment later. Rose 
screamed loudly in despair. 

Oh, he’s down ! ” 

'' No a’thegither,” said Jock. '' Fecht on, 
Duras. I’ll maybe win oot yet.” 

As he told me afterwards, his foot had caught 
on the dead man’s body, and brought him to 
his knee. His spur was caught in the clothing 
so that he could not rise without the danger of 


THE RESCUE OF ROSE. 


197 


stumbling in the attempt. His opponent caught 
at the chance, and with sheer strength in down- 
ward head-cuts strove to break his guard. 

Then I heard the report of a pistol at my side. 

I gave up all hope, thinking that the man 
who had gone by was now upon us, but fought 
on dourly. 

“ Oh, brave lass ! ” cried Jock, rising quickly 
and coming to my side. 

At his approach the two men drew back out 
of the ploy, and I had time to ask Jock a ques- 
tion. ^ 

“ She’s a rare ane ! ” cried Jock. “ She saw I 
was in straits, and the brave bit lassie drew the 
other pistol from my belt and shot him.” 

“ We seem to be clear now,” I said. 

“ Na ! ” cried Jock, sadly. “ Look yonder.” 

I turned my head, and between the town and 
us a party of seven sailors were approaching. 

“ I’ve kent it this minute or twa,” said Jock, 
“ but I didna want to mak’ ye nervous. We’ll 
draw inshore a bit, think ye ? ” 

We had moved only a- step when the two 
men began their attack again and compelled 
us to halt. The other body were rapidly 


198 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 


approaching. Jock gave a look round. The 
noise of the pistol shots had drawn one or two 
people to the shore, but they kept at a safe 
distance, for it was no quarrel of theirs. Had 
they known of Rose’s presence, doubtless they 
would have come to our rescue; but they would 
but think it some private feud, and private 
feuds were ill things for the commoners to med- 
dle with. 

Oh, for ane or twa o’ my men ! ” sighed 
Jock. They’re never faur aff, somehoo, when 
there’s a fecht on, but I doubt we’re raither 
faur aff to mak’ them hear. However, it’ll dae 
nae harm.” 

He raised his great bellow of a voice with the 
cry : 

Hay’s braw lads ! Hay’s braw lads to him! ” 
Instantly there was a commotion among the 
spectators, and to our delight a hoarse voice 
echoed Jock’s cry. A moment more and we 
saw one man run back to the town and one 
run to us. He came fast, but the sailors came 
faster. 

Run, Duras, wi’ maidie ! ” cried Jock, 

I’m d — — d if I will, Jock Hay ! ” 


THE RESCUE OF ROSE. 


199 


“ So am I, Jock Hay ! ” cried Rose, and, oh, 
but I loved the maid doubly for her words. 

“ I’m Captain here,” cried Jock, sternly, 
“ and I command ye both to retreat ! I’ll hold 
them for a minute and come after ye. Dinna 
be a gowk, Duras.” 

I saw his plan was just feasible, and acted 
upon it. We ran back as fast as we could, until 
the two men were close upon us, and then Jock 
turned and stood them off. When he had a 
moment’s chance he gave back quickly, and thus 
enabled us to make about a hundred yards. 

The other body, however, were approaching 
at an angle to our line of retreat, and coming 
faster than we, so at the proper minute Jock 
turned smartly round and ran to where I had 
taken my stand. 

The man who had answered and run to 
Jock’s cry, came up a pace or two in front 
of the seven seamen. Thus we stood, for a 
moment three men against nine ; and at the 
rear of either party respectively, was Rose and 
the man who seemed to be in command of the 
seamen, and whom I suspected to be Manners 
himself. 


CHAPTER XXIV. 


THE FIGHT WITH THE ROVERS AT . THE 
SILVER DYKE. 

We had just settled our feet for the fight, 
if fight it could be called, for what were three 
men against ten, when I saw Jock stagger a 
little. His face was white as a clout. 

What's wrong, Jock ? " I whispered. 

Pm sick, Duras, sick as a lubber on his 
first voyage, and mair — Pm fear't o' death — 
and whit comes after," he said, in a weak, whin- 
ing voice. 

'' Jock ! " I cried, aghast. 

Heh maun be an awfu' place," he con- 
tinued. '' Hae ye thought o' the everlasting 
flames that'll keep gnaw, gnawin' awa' at ye, 
and ye keenly conscious o' every smart ? Pm 
a sinfu' man, and to hell I'll gang when I die. 
God in mercy preserve us now, and let us win 
oot o' this wi' oor lives." 


200 


THE FIGHT WITH THE ROVERS. 


201 


Jock,” I cried again, for God’s sake be a 
man ! ” 

A man,” Jock cried, a man ! Havena I 
been a man long enough ? Every man IVe 
killt will rise up against me at that dread day, 
and point till me as his murderer. A man ! I 
fling awa’ the sword that endangers my chances 
o’ comfort in the world to come.” 

He let his grip on his sword relax, and it 
dangled by the lace. 

I turned away from the dread spectacle of a 
man overcome by his fears, weakened by his 
terror to physical sickness. 

God help us ! ” I cried. It’s all over ! ” 

The soldier who had joined us put his hand 
on my shoulder, and gave me a playful shake. 
His wrinkled, weather-beaten skin was stretched 
in an attempt at a reassuring smile. 

^^Younker,” he said, '‘did ye never see a 
man wi’ his fighting sickness on him ? Ye’re 
but young yet in the trade o’ hard knocks. 
Ance, twice, and thrice I’ve seen Jock Hay 
this way, and, oh ! but widows’ and sweet- 
hearts’ tears were plentifu’ at the end o’ it a’. 
Ye’ve seen him fight like a man, but watch him 


202 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 


now when the steel whistles, and ye’ll see a 
demon. IVe turned aside in a fright wi’ 
vomiting like his, but, God ! I made them pay 
for every pang I suffered. D’ye ken this sick- 
ness leaves behind it the consciousness of having 
been a coward, and a man has to wipe out 
that in bluid afore he can sit down in peace 
again ? ” 

While this was occurring in our party, a 
similar halt had been taking place in the other. 
Manners, as the man in the boat-cloak proved 
to be, had taken aside one of the men, and had 
been giving him some instructions seemingly, 
for now the man came forward, and began to 
speak. 

Gie up the maid, and we’ll let ye gang 
scot-free ! ” he cried. 

None of us spoke, and after waiting while 
one could count a hundred, the man cried out 
again : 

Fight for it, and not ane of ye will see the 
sun the morn ! ” 

What’s it to be, Jock ? ” I said to Hay. 
He was standing straighter now, but not a 
trace of blood was in his cheek, and his eyes. 


THE FIGHT WITH THE ROVERS, 


203 


generally calm, were now twitching and rolling 
in their sockets in a strange manner. 

There has been enough blood shed,” said 
Rose, quietly but firmly ; Tve made my bed, 
and I’ll lie on’t.” 

No sae fast, hinnie,” said Jock. It tak’s 
mair nor ane to mak’ a bargain.” 

Was yer comrade running to gie the cry to 
the ithers, Knifie ? ” he asked of the soldier. 

That he was,” cried Knifie, and he would 
not have far to run either, for, when we heard 
the shots. Gallows Dick and me wi’ the other 
four were a’ sitting in a change house near this 
end o’ the toun.” 

Are they drunk or sober ? ” asked Hay. 

’Twixt and between,” said Knifie, with a 
laugh. In fine trim,” he added. 

If they would only come,” said Jock, 
longingly. 

Keep them talking, since they’re that way 
inclined,” replied the soldier. 

Man, that’s a guid idea ! ” cried Jock. 

Hand them in play, Duras, wi’ that sleek 
tongue o’ yours, and we’ll maybe win oot the 
best yet.” 


204 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 


What guarantee have we that ye'll no turn 
on us as soon as ye have hold of the maid ? " 
I asked the seaman. 

He scratched his head, and pondered for a 
moment or two before answering. 

Guarantee ! " he replied. “ Guarantee, I 
ken o’ nane sae guid as the fact that we’ll be 
glad to see your backs wi’ as little bother as 
may be.” 

But if we hand her over,” I said, what’s 
to happen to her ? ” 

“ Why, what every maid wants,” he replied, 
with a leer ; she’ll get a braw, braw man for 
a husband.” 

Meaning ? ” I asked. 

Just so,” he answered, evasively. 

Meaning Captain Ivy Manners ? ” I asked. 

Come now,” cried the seaman, roughly, in 
response to a whispered command from behind. 

Will ye give her up or not ? ” 

Give me time to consult my comrades,” I 
asked, in a pleading voice. 

I’ll give ye twa minutes, and at the end of 
that time if the maid is not with us, woe be to 
ye ! ” replied the man, as he joined the sailors. 


THE FIGHT WITH THE ROVERS. 


205 


Is there any sign of your men yet, Jock ? 

I asked, quickly. 

Man, I thoucht I saw a bit stir on the 
shore the noo, but I couldna be sure,” Jock 
whispered. ‘‘ They’re wily fellows, and quick 
i’ the uptak’, and if there’s a chance to be had 
they’re the men to tak’ it. Is that a hillock 
or just a rise ahint us, Duras ? ” said Jock, 
nodding to where the ground rose slightly 
about three hundred paces behind us, some- 
times called the Silver Dyke. 

It’s a hillock, Jock.” 

'' Is it a lang ane ? ” he asked, quickly. 

'' It runs to near the town end,” I replied. 

Weel,” he said, excitedly for him, there’s 
just a chance my men will be coming to us, and 
keeping ahint the bit hill. It’s just a chance, 
but it would be like their usual tricks, sae I 
think we micht venture on a sudden rush 
towards it. We’ll no mak’ mair nor a hundred 
yards at the maist, but it will aye be something, 
and this is gaun to be a close fecht I’m telling 
ye. Here, maidie, here’s my twa pistols newly 
primed and loaded. Ye’ve used ane ance, 
dinna be sweart to use it again ! ” 


2o6 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 


Ane for them, and ane for me,'’ said Rose, 
quietly. 

'' Ye're a brave lass ! " said Jock, admiringly. 

Now, ready, and when I say the word round 
ye go and mak' guid use o' yer heels." 

At the word and of a sudden we wheeled 
round and fled inshore. The sailors stood still 
for a moment in amazement at our trick, and 
then broke after us in full cry. 

The sand was heavy to our feet, but in the 
short sharp burst we had made a good fifty 
yards inshore before Jock cried ‘‘ Halt ! " We 
wheeled round again, and formed a roughly 
described triangle, with Jock in the front and 
Rose behind. The scene that followed took 
place quicker than pen could trace its different 
phases. 

One of the sailors was in advance of the rest, 
and close upon us. With a cat's spring Jock 
leaped forward and allowed the fellow to spit 
himself against his sword ; in an instant Jock 
was back again. 

Then the real fight began. The clamour of 
blades against blades rang out shrilly, and 
every muscle and nerve in one's body grew 


THE FIGHT WITH THE ROVERS. 207 


quicker to act at the touch of instinct tempered 
with judgment. I saw nothing of the fight save 
two cutlasses in continual nearness to my 
person. How I stood them off in the first fierce 
rush of the skirmish I never could tell ; but 
momentarily the attack grew calmer and keener 
as the men saw that it was likely to be a severe 
one. 

I cut at one of my opponents, but he caught 
it in time ; ere I had disengaged my blade the 
other thrust at me, and I could only get back 
my sword soon enough to divert it from my 
breast, but not sufficiently to clear my body, as 
a stinging pain in my left arm quickly told me. 
I took him on the return, and he fell pinked 
through the chest. 

^‘Hay’s brave lads to him ! rang out Jock's 
voice, and I could tell from the tone that he 
was hard pressed. All the time we had been 
retreating, forced to give back quickly in order 
to prevent them getting behind our front. Being 
rid of one of my opponents, I thought I would 
give Jock a relief, and so stood my ground 
till he had stepped past, and then the furi- 
ous attack began again, for one of the sailors 


2o8 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 


who had been fighting with Jock came to 
me. 

Our formation was broken up now, and it was 
just a case of moments till they could get at 
our backs to complete their bloody work. I 
caught a glimpse of Jock for an instant, a cut 
across his brow rained the blood down his face, 
and added to the demoniacal expression of his 
features. Never for a moment still, with body, 
eye, and sword in rapid movements, he contin- 
ued to keep his adversaries in check. 

I was hard pressed with three men, and 
another wound in the shoulder had come to 
my lot. My sword was heavy in my hand, 
my eye none so true, nor my thrust so brave 
as at first. I thought the end had come, when 
Jock saw my predicament, and with a great 
effort won to my side. Knifie came inward to 
take Jock's place, though he had enough of his 
own on hand, and we were back to back, with 
Rose in the centre. 

‘‘ Hurra ! " cried Knifie, who was facing 
inland. They're coming ! This way, lads, 
this way ! " 

Keep yer feet for another minute, Duras, 


THE FIGHT WITH THE ROVERS. 


209 


and wedl lick the devils yet ! ’’ cried Jock, 
catching a cut meant for me, and slashing the 
fellow who made it with a sweeping cut in the 
face. 

Manners, at the first sign of rescue, threw 
the cloak away from him, and drawing his 
pistols, came towards us. 

Worry them. Rovers ! Worry them, 
quick ! ’’ he yelled, pointing a pistol at my head 
from four paces distant. I knew my hour was 
come, for I had seen him in practice strike a coin 
at twenty yards. 

'' Good-bye, love ! '' I muttered. I felt the 
flame of a pistol-flash hot on the side of my head 
from behind, and saw Manners stagger and fall 
to the ground. 

Again had my brave lass done good seiwice, 
and better work it had been (as we learnt after- 
wards) had Manners been without his shirt of 
mail, for the bullet had not pierced through to 
his heart, and had only stunned him for a 
moment by its force. 

At the sight of the approaching help and at 
their leader’s fall the men drew off from us. 
Manners got to his feet and urged them again 


210 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR, 


to the battle ; but they had had enough, and 
sullenly gave back slowly, taking their wounded 
with them. 

I heard the rough voices of the new-comers 
round me, but I could not see their faces. A 
mist was before my eyes. I slung my hand 
across them to drive it away. For an instant I 
saw clearly, then my legs seemed to weaken 
until they no longer would support me, and I 
fell helpless as a baby to the sands. 


^ CHAPTER XXV. 

THE MARIE ’’ AMONG PIRATES. 

When I was up and about two days after (for 
my wounds were not dangerous) it was just in 
time to see the Marie sail into the Roads. 

My heart was like to break at the sight of 
her, for a more pitiable wreck' was never seen. 
Nothing but a stump represented the two brave 
masts that she had sailed out with, and the 
cleanly order of her decks was littered with the 
spars and rigging. 

But bad as she looked, her story was worse, 
as her master, Seth Rilas, soon showed us, when 
he told his tale that evening, his head bound 
up round the brow with bandages. 

It seems that she had sailed for about eight 
hours unmolested, in company with her consort 
the warship, when, just as morning broke, a 
ship was seen hanging to windward of them. 


2II 


212 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 


and at their stern another ship was quickly 
overtaking them. They set all sail in hopes of 
getting away from their suspicious neighbours, 
but, fast as the Marie was, the ship at her 
stern was faster. To make matters worse, the 
King’s ship was as slow again as the Marie in 
point of speed, and to part company with the 
chance of getting out of the danger by the 
quickness of her heels would have been any- 
thing but a wise course of action, taking into 
consideration the fact that either of the two 
strange ships could have outsailed her. 

They had not long to wait before their sus- 
picions became a certainty. 

The vessel to their windward, named the 
Hawk, opened the matter by firing a shot at the 
Marie, which by some foul chance struck her 
foremast and brought it down. The crew of 
the Hawk gave a cheer when they saw it topple 
over the side, and, held there by the rigging, 
bring the Marie's head into the wind ; and well 
might they cheer, for until she could get the 
wreckage cleared away she might as well have 
lain at anchor. 

The King’s ship. The Murray, got between 


THE MARIE AMONG PIRATES. 


213 


the Marie and the Hawk and gallantly replied 
to her fire, and for a time matters were on the 
mend. 

Every exertion was made on the Marie to 
get the wreckage cleared away, but it was not 
an easy affair. Meanwhile the vessel at her 
stern, the Rover, was coming up under a press 
of sail. 

The fight between The Murray and the Hawk 
had been going on merrily with some damage 
to each ship, but still with nothing to disable 
either of them. The Hazvk^s guns were better 
served, but The Murray had the heavier metal. 
At last the latter got in a shot between wind 
and water that seemed to give the pirates some 
bother, and for a moment their fire slackened a 
little. Again did The Murray get in another 
telling shot that brought a good part of the 
Hawk^s rigging about their heads ; but that was 
her last service of any importance, for at that 
moment the Rover came alongside of her, and 
at pistol range delivered a fearful broadside that 
cleared her decks and tore away her helm and 
steering gear beyond all hope of speedy repair. 
Then the Rover imntd neatly round, and bearing 


214 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 


down to the Marie gave her a broadside of the 
same nature as that which she had delivered 
at The Murray, but with less effect. Again did 
she turn and, after tacking into the wind a little, 
bear down upon the Marie, and swept alongside 
her. 

In a moment the grappling irons held the 
vessels fast, and over the side of the Rover 
poured a flood of men ; short, swarthy, ill- 
visaged fellows, maddened with the drink in 
them, and careless of their lives, fighting with 
frenzied valour that brooks no defence. 

Overpowered by the number of their assail- 
ants, and their defence gone to ruins with their 
masts, the crew of the Marie could make little 
stand against the boarders. One by one the 
little group ceased their vain endeavours until 
all the decks were taken, save where Simon 
Carter and Seth Rilas and half a dozen of the 
crew held the poop. They had been a larger 
company at first, but slowly and surely had their 
numbers grown smaller. 

The pirates were all around them now. 
Simon fought bravely and dourly in the front, 
and alongside of him Seth Rilas wielded a good 


THE “MARIE” AMONG PIRATES. 215 


blade. But what stand could eight men make 
against a numberless horde ? 

Each of the group, save Simon, was sur- 
rounded ; but, expose himself as he might, no 
weapon was turned to his except in defence. 

One by one the sailors fell, but still the rest 
would not yield to the proffered quarter cried to 
them. None but Simon and Seth of the group 
were standing when the rush was made. Seth 
was struck down with a blow from a cutlass on 
the head, and Silas was thrown to the deck and 
bound with cords. 

A busy scene followed. The moneys were 
lifted on deck and stowed in the Rover's hold. 
Everything else on the ship that tickled any of 
the pirates’ fancies went a like way. When all 
was cleared, Simon Carter was lifted up from 
the deck, bound as he was, and conveyed on 
board the Rover. 

Ere the two ships parted company, a seaman 
roughly attended to Seth, and brought him to 
consciousness. 

“ When ye get into Anstruther,” the man 
cried to Seth, “ my Captain asks ye to give 
this letter to Mistress Rose Carter ; and see that 


2i6 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 


ye fail not, for a man’s life or death hangs 
on it.” 

As soon as the Marie was boarded the Hawk 
had sheered off from The Murray, and the latter, 
rendered incapable of following by the loss of 
her helm, had been compelled to lie idle, save 
for a shot or two when occasion served. 

She had launched two boats, well filled with 
men, to come to the rescue of the Marie, but, 
cumbered with wreckage as her decks were, it 
took some time for the boats to get under way, 
and before they reached the Marie the Rover 
had done its fell work and had sailed away. 

The King’s men came on board, however, 
and helped the sailors of the Marie who were 
not too badly wounded, or who had taken 
the quarter offered, to clear the ship of her 
wrecked tackle, and to rig up a jury mast and 
sail. Under this had the Marie come slowly 
into port, followed as slowly for some distance 
by The Murray, which had then made for 
Leith. 

And which road did the pirates tak’ ? ” I 
cried, eager to be at them, and exact a terrible 


THE "MARIE” AMONG PIRATES. 


217 


revenge for their doings, an eagerness lessened 
none by the thought that Manners — fair-spoken 
Manners — was at the head of them. 

“ The Hawk, low in the water and wi’ pumps 
going, went east, but the Rover gaed nor’-west,” 
said Seth. 

“ And here’s yer letter. Mistress Rose,” he 
added; “ and sorry I am to hae been the hand 
to carry it, and the tongue to tell ye the bad 


news. 


CHAPTER XXVL 


AN HOUR OF AGONY. 

Seth Rilas gave the letter to Rose, and 
she held it for a moment, looking at it 
with eyes that gazed but saw not; then she 
let it fall into her lap. Her dry-eyed misery 
frightened me. There is an end to despair 
when it begins with sobs, but the heart alone 
knows the death grip when tears come not to 
its relief. 

Shaken down to the bottom of my soul with 
fear at Simon’s danger, I felt my grief was but 
a puny thing beside this mute agony. 

For sheer enduring pain never will I, nor 
Jock Hay, nor Seth Rilas ever know any 
greater than the ten minutes that followed the 
conclusion of Seth’s longest speech. 

It was all very well for me to cry, Up and 
at them ! ” but a moment’s reflection brought 
the enquiry, who was to be up,” and where 

2I8 


AN HOUR OF AGONY. 


219 


were they, if found, to be “ at them ” ? Succour 
from the King was ever a long time in coming, 
if forthcoming at all. Pirates at this time, ay, 
and even now while I write, are accepted more 
as visitors of Providence, and drunk meekly 
and with no believing in the same cup as the 
Pest. - 

There was not a ship in our poor navy that 
could stand against their best, and for the ruck 
they were as like as two peas. Of private 
means to fight the pirates we had none in the 
way of ships. Coming to the best of it, our 
trade and trading boats were but poor. A 
crear that would cross the sea to Flanders or 
to France with some chance of reaching land 
with fair weather, and big enough to carry out 
her cargo of fish that had been smoked, linen 
and woollen cloths, skins of goats, wethers, 
and conies, and bring home again the salts 
and wines, and sometimes a cargo of the finer 
cloths (of the which we in Scotland have never 
learnt the making), was sufficient for our needs. 
To build better ships would have been ruinous 
for such a peddling trade. The Marie was an 
especially fine boat and built for carrying the 


220 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 


finer cargo. She might have been of service in 
our moment of need, but there she lay as help- 
less on the water as a barrel. 

I had plenty of time to run over in my mind 
these and many other thoughts, for we three 
men could only sit and look at Rose, with 
never a word of comfort on our lips for her. 
But in our hearts a hell of hate was born. Ay, 
they are strong words, but true. God knows 
at His divine will we would have stood to our 
punishment as well as might be in us, and 
never a blacker thought than usual would have 
remained; but if we had to suffer we wanted it 
to come through less foul hands than this blow 
had done. If this was His will we felt that we 
would say with no lie in our mouths, Thy will 
be done only after we had dealt with , the 
instruments of this purpose. It was too foul 
to bear — this eating of a man’s salt preceding 
a plundering of his goods. Therefore did hate 
rise in our hearts, and eyes gleamed cruel that 
were wont to have a glint of kindness and com- 
passion even in their anger. 

In my own breast was born for the first time 
that hate which knows no end save death, and 


AN HOUR OF AGONY. 


221 


death as chance gave opportunity ; that hate 
which stifles ordinary warmer impulses to fair- 
ness; that hate, so deep, so justly born, but so 
foully contaminated with all the secret devilish- 
ness that lurks hidden in a man, which makes 
an excuse — a warrant for the stiletto of the 
assassin. Never had I felt the ripple of my 
everyday life stirred into turbulence as it was 
now. Never did I pray God for help with more 
malice in my heart. 

Cause and effect were both lost in my desire 
for revenge. I forgot Simon, I forgot Rose, I 
only remembered Ivy Manners. 

Jock Hay rose from his seat and went to the 
door with Seth. 

“ Where away, Jock ? ” I cried. 

“We were leaving Mistress Rose in peace to 
read her letter,” Jock said, loudly. 

At the mention of the letter Rose glanced up 
and looked at us, as if to bring back into her 
mind all the bearing of the situation. 

“ There is no need to go,” she said, slowly. 

And, oh ! but I was sick at the change in 
her voice. 

“Ye have all fought for me, and right well 


222 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 


too; it is just ye should know all that pertains 
to the case. Maybe also in the telling or in 
the letter ye may see some gleam of hope for 
the safety of my father. 

He spoke not of love to me/’ Rose went on 
in a monotone, as if it was another’s story she 
was relating. He spoke not of love until the 
night of the Marie^s sailing. At my father’s 
request I had gone home. He came to the 
house and proposed that I should take a walk 
with him to the shore, and see the last sight of 
the ship. This I did, and in the quietness he 
began his tale of his love for me. I would 
have stopped him, for, though a pleasant man 
enough, something in me arose against him 
always when he tried to break away from his 
usual style of light talk. I would have stopped 
him, but he would not hear. Then I told him 
that I had no particle of love for him in my 
being. Again he strove to make me alter my 
refusal, and with hot words, but in vain. 

Think well,’ he said at last. ^ I love ye 
and I will have ye by fair means or foul.’ 

At that I would have left him, but in a 
moment, at a call of his, the seamen rushed 


AN HOUR OF AGONY. 


223 


up from their boat and laid hands on me. I 
broke from them, and — ye know the rest. 

As for this letter, it is well ye should know 
its contents, whatever they be.’’ 

Rose opened the letter, and in the same tone 
of voice, and without perusing the matter to her- 
self beforehand, read what was written within. 
It was from Manners : — 

Rose, — I pleaded, but now I threaten. I 
warned ye; now I show my warning was not 
idle words, and ye have my love for ye to answer 
for the discourtesy. 

“ I would ye had come with me at the first 
asking, but, even yet, loveless though thou 
comest to me, this life were heaven compared 
to an existence apart from thee. 

The weapon I play with is thy love for thy 
father. Well I know that ye would rather bear 
ought than let him suffer. ’Tis humiliating for 
me to bring ye to my side by fear rather than 
love, but love will come in time. 

Need I say more. Rose ? Unless ye consent 
to come to me and be my love — wife — thy father 
suffers. Suffers what ? ye may ask. 

'' If I learnt nought else in the El Dorado, I 
learnt the art of torture. Not torture as ye 
know it in Scotland, but torture as the devils 


224 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 


would find it hard to equal. Love rejected in 
one is a very devil. Give heed then, for I speak 
no idle words. 

‘‘ A curious love letter this is, Rose, but still it 
must serve. Again I tell thee I love thee so well 
that nought will I allow to come between us. I 
will brave death and destruction rather than 
that. 

Come with me, dearest, away from your sur- 
roundings that kill all that there is of joy in ye. 
Come with me to a fair land where happiness is 
not of future hope, but ever present fulfilment. 

I have told ye of lands more fair than eye 
can picture, but words are useless to describe 
them. In them the heart knows no desire un- 
fulfilled. All is there to make life heaven. Come 
with me. 

At Killyrimie Kirk, above a mile from your 
house, there is a small hill. On the fifth day 
and on the sixth day from now do you place a 
lad of not more than fifteen years there — alone — 
with your reply to this letter in his hand. Say 
in it where and when ye will meet me. See that 
the lad is alone, and that no spies of yours are 
near, else thy father answers for it. 

'' If on the sixth day no answer is ready, then 
woe betide ye and your father. My purpose is 
settled. Obey these matters to the letter and all 
will be well ; fail in one of the least of these and 


AN HOUR OF AGONY. 


225 


— but I threaten no more ; deeds will answer 
better. 

'' In your letter you must name a place where 
I can come to ye unarmed. I have no wish to 
stain our bridal bed with blood. 

Cramped up as thou art in thy dull house, 
what knowest thou of happiness ? Come with 
me, sweet, and learn.'’ 

When Rose finished reading the letter she let 
it fall again into her lap, and sat as still as 
before. 

At length Jock Hay said : 

Faith, but he's a wily ane is Manners. Im- 
agine a man in the heat of love making a' the 
precautions about the messenger that's to carry 
the answer. Ye micht read the precaution bit 
over again. Mistress Rose." 

Rose did so, and Jock sat thinking for a little. 

'' He's clever, is Manners ; he hardly gies ane 
a chance, but, after a' his care, he canna avoid 
ae thing." 

And that is ? " I cried, starting up. 

Sending some man or maybe mair to get 
the answer," Jock replied. 

I sank back in my seat again. 


226 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR, 


I canna see how that’s to help us any,” I 

said. 

'' Well,” replied Jock, with a grain of cheer- 
fulness again in his voice, it’s no muckle, 
I’ll admit, but when there’s nae loaf a crust is 
aye welcome. And I’ve got hand o’ a sma’ plan 
that’ll maybe come in usefu’ in place o’ a 
better.” 


CHAPTER XXVII. 

WE PLAN REVENGE. 

‘‘ Let’s hear your plan, Jock,” I said moodily. 

Oh,” cried Jock, Pm no gaun to mak’ a 
formal thing o’t. Pve just got the inklin’ o’t as 
yet, sae, Duras, we four will just lay oor heids 
thegither and see if we canna diddle this pirate 
body. Pm including you. Mistress Rose, for at 
times a woman’s heid is better than twal sturdy 
men’s. It’s an awfu’ pity, Duras, tho’, that ye 
didna drive yer bit swordie thro’ his black heart 
when ye had the chance.” 

'' What was that ? ” cried Rose, sitting up. 

'' Did ye no hear o’t, leddy ? ” said Jock. 

Duras here and yer auld acquaintance. 
Manners, had a bit turn up wi’ the whingers a’ 
by themselves. Duras was in deid earnest and 
foucht at the peril o’ his life. Manners was 
earnest enouch too, but being a kind o’ pro- 

227 


228 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR, 


vidential knave he had ta’en the precaution to 
wear a shirt of mail. Say what ye like, there 
was something chivalrous in the idea, Duras. I 
couldna see it myself at first, but IVe gotten a 
glint o’ his meaning noo. The fact is, he didna 
want his bluid to lie at yer door, Duras, kenning 
ye had a tender conscience. 

Weel, Mistress Rose, the fecht went this 
way and that way till at last Duras had him at 
his mercy, and a’ unconscious too, wi’ a rap on 
the heid. Duras saw the mail, and, foul though 
he had been dealt wi’, the silly body turned awa’ 
and let the villain tak’ his chance. Man, Duras, 
ye should hae swallowed the honour ye’re aye 
ravin’ about, and struck for yer ain han’ ; should 
he no. Mistress Rose ? ” 

‘‘ No,” she said, and, for the first time since 
the news of her father’s taking, her eyes 
sparkled, and that as she looked at me. By 
my faith, no,” she said again. No blood was 
on Manners’ hand at that time ; the stain was 
only on his honour. Davie may have been 
warranted in striking, but it was like him that he 
did not.” 

Lord, Duras,” said Jock, with a half-comical 


WE PLAN REVENGE. 


229 


expression. '' Lord, but yeVe champions in 
high places.” 

At the words a flush of red overspread Rose’s 
face ; and though her eyes glanced angrily at 
Jock because of the open meaning of his re- 
marks, she held her ground steadfastly. 

He did right,” she said again. ‘‘ And now 
for this plan of yours, Jock Hay,” she added, 
quietly but decidedly. 

Weel,” said Jock, it’s plain that we maun 
get knowledge o’ Manners’ hiding-place afore 
we can win at him ; that is, if we’re likely to 
be strong enough to try a tussle wi’ him. Now, 
the only way that I see for getting that same 
knowledge is frae the messenger that Manners 
sends to tak’ the letter frae the lad.” 

But how ? ” I cried. Manners is nae 
fool. Think ye that he will send a man 
who’ll fall into our hands like an over-ripe 
grozet ? ” 

That’s the last thing I would think o’ him, 
Duras,” replied Jock. Oor plan is to get the 
man by strategy; and, that done, ye can leave 
it to me to mak’ him speak. Ane needna gang 
to the El Dorado to learn the art o’ torture.” 


230 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 


And how will ye set about getting hold of 
the mesenger ? ” asked Rose. 

'' It’ll no be ae messenger, leddy, that Man- 
ners will send,” said Jock. 

Manners would think ane would be easy to 
deal wi’; twa would maybe cast oot on the 
road ; three would dae if they were steady, but 
they would need somebody to watch them and 
keep them in order. That’s how I suspect Man- 
ners will argue to himself,” said Jock. At 
least, that’s how I would reason it oot. Now, 
what we have to plan against is a party of at 
least three men and an officer. There would 
be nae chance o’ rushing oot on them when 
they cam’ near the lad; for, even if they learnt 
na o’ oor ambuscade, the rush would likely no 
be successfu’. Ane or twO' would escape and 
carry the news back, and then it would be the 
waur for yer father. Se we can put that easy 
plan oot o’ oor minds. 

Before we can start wi’ ony ither we would 
need to get some kin’ o’ idea o’ where the Rover 
is lying. What day is it he says the lad is 
to be waiting at Killyrimie Kirk, Mistress 
Rose ? ” 


WE PLAN REVENGE. 


231 


“ On the fifth and on the sixth,” replied Rose. 

“ He would mean the fifth or sixth frae the 
day ye would get the letter on,” said Jock. 
Then he went on, shrewdly : “ That tak’s a day 
aff the time and leaves four days. Now say 
he had one day to get into his northern port 
(for it was nor’-west he sailed), that would leave 
three days for the messenger’s time to ride here, 
for it stands to reason that he would set them 
off at the very first moment. I think that’s 
about as near as ane could guess,” Jock added, 
“ for if he took twa days to reach his port, the 
ither twa days wouldna be time enouch for his 
lads to reach us on the fourth. Now the 
question is. Is there ony likely place three days’ 
ride north frae here that would accommodate 
the boat and its knavish crew ? It would 
likely be a quiet kinna bay, a fair distance frae 
ony town, for Manners will be carefu’ o’ makin’ 
his presence kent for a wee while lest onything 
should occur to hinder his plans. Now you, 
Seth Rilas, should be the best hand at kenning 
o’ such a place.” 

“ How muckle wad they ride in the day, think 
ye ? ” asked Seth. 


232 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 


Sailor-men as they are/’ said Jock, '' I wad 
put it down at thirty-five miles a day, wi’ a little 
to spare.” 

That mak’s it over a hundred miles,” said 
Seth, reflectively. About the distance o’ 
Aberdeen.” 

Tak’ it at that,” assented Jock. '' Now, if 
ye were in Manners’ place, and wanted to lie 
quiet for a week or twa, is there ony kin’ o’ 
bay or river mouth that ye wad choose, in espe- 
cial, for your purpose near Aberdeen ? ” 

'' Weel,” said Seth, ‘‘ there’s a pretty bit o’ 
shelter near Stanehaven — that’s on this side o’ 
Aberdeen; but then that’s no a very quiet spot, 
wi’ the toon on ae hand and Dunottar Castle 
on the ither. Then a mile further up there’s 
Cowie, but that’s as bad. Then there’s a wee 
place called Portlethen on a very wild country 
side, but there I warrant theycouldna get horses 
to tak’ them down here. There’s fine sheltered 
ports at New Aberdeen, and above the auld 
toon, too, but they’re ower busy for onybody 
wanting quiet. Then there’s Black Dog and 
Maltoun, but they couldna hire horses there. 
And then we come to the place that ^ would 


WE PLAN REVENGE. 


233 


select if I were in his shoon, and that’s the 
mouth of the Ythan river. It’s fine and shel- 
tered ; it’s quiet, and they would have only to 
gang a mile inshore to Newburgh to hire the 
horses they might want. It’s the place o’ 
places for the purpose, I think, and I might 
tell ye that I’ve heard tell o’ a ship, answering 
to the Rover, lying ower part o’ last winter in 
that same spot.” 

“ And hoo faur will it be by road frae here ? ” 
asked Jock. 

“ About a hundred and thirty miles,” an- 
swered Seth. 

“ That’s the place, I’m thinking,” said Jock, 
decidedly, “for Manners says the fifth or sixth 
day, thinking maybe that the sailor-men micht 
ride it in four days, but mair likely tak’ five.” 

“ And having settled where he’s lying, Jock, 
what dae ye mean to do ? ” I asked. “Attack 
him ? ” 

“ Wi’ what, lad ? ” said Jock sadly. “ Na, na, 
there will be mair whispering than singing in 
this ploy. We maun use oor heids as weel as 
oor hands. Noo the question is, whaur have 
we the best chance o’ waylaying the mes- 


234 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 


sengers ? I havena been faur up into Angus- 
shire mysel’, but, sae faur as IVe seen, the 
roads were mair ^ just as ye liked to ride ’ than 
tempting. Noo, there’ll need to be nae bung- 
ling about oor catchin’ the men, and sae it 
wouldna dae to reckon on their coming by a 
set road. Forbye that oor meeting wi’ them 
would need to be at some distance frae here, 
and on the road back. They’ll be aff their 
guard then and easier managed. There’s ae 
thing we can reckon on — they’ll have to cross 
the Tay at some bit or other. Now, if we could 
only be sure at what part, we would ken oor 
meeting-place.” 

They might cross frae Dundee,” I said. 

'' Off their road,” replied Seth. 

Is there a regular ferry-boat at Ferry-Port- 
on-Craig ? ” asked Jock. 

Ay,” said Seth. Plies from there to 
Bruchtie.” 

Then that’s the place,” decided Jock, and 
here’s to oor meeting at Ferry-Port-on-Craig, 
for it’s likely to be a hot ane.” 

And who’s to go with us, Jock ? ” I asked. 

Never a ane but oor ain selves,” cried Jock. 


WE PLAN REVENGE, 


235 


Ye see Manners may have spies in this town, 
and if we made a party he micht get word o’t. 
But we three can slip awa’ and naebody be a 
thoucht the wiser. After we’re gone, hooever, 
we’ll arrange that as mony daring chiels as we 
can lay oor hands on will follow us north and 
help wi’ force what we canna get by cunning. 
There’s nae use thinkin’ o’ onything else till 
we get baud o’ the men first. That done, we 
have got information, clothes, and maybe a 
traitor to Manners on oor side ; and the rest 
maun be just as chance may have it, and as 
the guid God decrees ! ” 


CHAPTER XXVIII. 


A BLINK OF SUNLIGHT. 

‘‘ How many d’ye say is to be in your party, 
Jock Hay ? ” asked Rose. 

Just Duras, Seth here, myself, and I think 
we had best tak’ ane o’ my men.” 

Then ye can add me till it too,” said Rose, 
firmly. 

Havers ! ” cried Jock, gruffly, though I could 
see the maid’s spirit pleased him mightily. 

Havers yersel’, Jock Hay,” said Rose with 
a touch of her old manner in her voice, so quick 
was her heart to return to her at the first sign 
of action. 

It’s rank nonsense, mistress ! ” cried Jock, 
warmly. 

It’s to be, though,” said Rose. 

But listen ! ” cried Jock. This is to be no 
maid’s work. It’s men’s. To speak plainly, 
it’s likely to mean stark staring murder, and 

236 


A BLINK OF SUNLIGHT. 


237 


the fewer qualms of conscience on oor pairt the 
better/' 

‘‘ Ye've been a grand friend to me, Jock 
Hay," said Rose, laying her hand on his 
shoulder, and sorry I am to say nay to any 
command of yours, but this has to be. Out of 
this affair my father must come scaithless. If 
your plan fails, then I maun bear the brunt. 
He's been a' to me for years, and I wouldna 
that ae hair o' his head suffered when I could 
save it." 

'' Guid life ! woman," said Jock, “ d'ye ken 
what ye're saying ? Ye would gie yersel' up 
into Manners' hands ! " 

Ay," said Rose, with some sadness in her 
voice, but with more determination. 

Surely ye're dreaming ! " cried Jock. 

Manners is nae gentle knight to be disarmed 
by yer readiness to suffer a martyrdom for yer 
father's sake. He'll exact his foul ransom to 
the utmost. Lass, I would rather strike ye 
through the heart wi' my dirk than gie ye into 
his hands." 

Rose looked at me for a moment with a gaze 
that moved me strangely; there was sadness in 


238 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 


it, but more of a great compassion for me than 
pity for herself. I could not understand. Then 
she said to Jock, quietly : 

There will aye be a dirk ready for me, Jock 
Hay, when dishonour fights for my poor body.’’ 

I can no more describe the way she said the 
words than I could tell you of the joy that 
comes to a man when his maid says ‘‘ yea ” ; 
but I can write of the scene that followed, and 
the effect of her words and expression upon us. 

Jock burst out into a great torrent of oaths, 
so deep, so foul, that had other man uttered 
them in the presence of Rose I would have 
struck him to the heart. 

Seth Rilas started up from his seat, and, like 
a caged lion in a rage, paced the room back- 
wards and forwards in his sailor walk of four 
steps one way and then back, his jaws moving 
in his passion until the foam stood white on 
his lips, but with never an articulate word from 
his mouth. 

As for me, I had none of these means of 
relief. I had known Rose, and, though I dare 
not let the thought find expression in my brain, 
I had had from the beginning the knowledge 


A BLINK OF SUNLIGHT, 


239 


of what she would do. So I could only sit and 
let the iron eat into my soul. To every man 
there comes his hour of heavy trial : to every 
man his agony. As gold must be tried by fire, 
so must man pass through the test that forms, 
from the separate gathered atoms of his afore- 
time life, the substance of what he is to be. 
The flux settles from the metal, the baser ores 
go with the flux; the fire relaxes, the crucible 
is broken. The scum is on the top, the flux 
lies next, brilliant but brittle, and the precious 
metal lies with its carrier at the bottom. Thus 
methinks men stand their test also-, and come 
from the trial as cowards, devils, or men. I 
stood my trial then and there, and though I 
had something of the man in me, I had a deal 
of the devil also — some of the flux had come 
down with me — for from that hour till long 
afterwards my justness was marred by its 
severeness, my just anger by ’ its cruelty. 
What I admired in brave men I could not 
imitate for long enough afterwards. I mean, 
that justice tempered with mercy without 
which Justice is but an avenging demon. 

Gallant as I could be with the sword, I knew 


240 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 


not when to hold my hand save when it suited 
my ends to do so. 

Careful as I had been of shedding men’s 
blood except with the strictest honour in quarrel, 
I was careless now. The weapon that was 
turned against me was the weapon I would 
wield. An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, 
and hell’s fury let loose on the villains who had 
placed my maid in her agony ! 

So ye see I might as well go wi’ ye,” said 
Rose, when Jock’s tempest had exhausted 
itself. 

It shall never be ! ” cried Jock, and Rilas 
echoed the never.” 

Jock was proceeding tO' storm at the maid 
and argue warmly with her, when I rose up 
from my seat, and with a hand on his shoulder 
turned him toward the door. 

Let be, Jock,” I said. Let it be between 
Rose and me. This is my part, and I claim it. 
Do ye agree. Rose ? ” 

She sank back from me into a seat with the 
fear of the approaching scene in her eyes (and 
no wonder, as Jock Hay said afterwards to me, 
‘‘ for your face was set in death ”). 


A BLINK OF SUNLIGHT. 


241 


“ Do ye agree, Rose ? ” I asked again. 

“ Ay,” she said, with her face hidden in her 
hands. 

Jock yielded to my hand; but before going 
out he did a gallant thing, for him. 

Stepping up to where my maid sat, he, big, 
burly, cursing Jock, sank down on one knee, 
and took her hand to his lips. 

“ God be wi’ ye in yer pain. Mistress Rose,” 
he said, brokenly. “ I, at your knee, am at yer 
service till death ! ” 

Then rising he turned to go, but stopped for 
a moment, and added : 

“ He’s a brave lad is Duras. Lippen till 
him.” 

Then, taking Rilas with him, he went out, 
leaving me and my maid alone. 

I walked back and forward before her, com- 
posing my thoughts to make them the more 
effective in combating her determination; then 
I began in no pleading voice, but speaking as 
she had spoken — as though I had put myself out 
of the question entirely. 

“ Rose, ye ken well that I respect your father 
mair than any man on earth, that I owe him 


242 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 


all. Ye ken well, also, that I love ye better than 
my life.’' 

She nodded her head in assent. 

Then of a sudden, when I meant to be most 
tender of her, the devil assailed me with the 
thought that her determination to go to 
Manners in return for her father’s liberty was 
no hardship for her — since she loved Manners. 
I struggled against it for a while, but I allowed 
the dark thoughts to grow, and I broke out 
sullenly : 

Ye’re ower ready to be your father’s ransom 
for my taste.” 

She looked up wonderingly, and then asked : 

For why ? ” 

Maybe to be in Manners’ arms is no sae 
distasteful to ye as some would think.” 

At that she sprang up and faced me with glar- 
ing eyes. 

'' Davie ! d’ye ken what ye’re sayin’ ? ” 

Fine ! ” I said. 

She raised her hand as though she would have 
struck me. 

How dare ye say so ? oh, how dare ye ? ” 
she cried, her eyes looking into mine so that 


A BLINK OF SUNLIGHT. 


243 


I coul read her horror at the thought. Then 
her straight-held figure relaxed its stiffness, 
and she flung herself into her chair, sobbing 
bitterly. 

My heart was moved so that the evil thoughts 
fled, and I knelt at her side. 

“ Forgive me. Rose, forgive me ! ” I cried to 
her. 

Her sobs raised a grip in my throat that al- 
most strangled me. She would not answer nor 
lift her head; but a hand, wet with tears, moved 
from her face and wavered in the air for a mo- 
ment, then, as a dove comes to rest, settled into 
my two outstretched palms. 

Even in my bitterness and despair, at that 
moment I felt we were nearer to each other 
than ever we had been before. Something in 
the softness and lie of the hand, something in 
its touch, tempted me to hope. In a moment 
much of her conduct flew before my mind, in a 
moment much of my denseness flew from me, 
and I trembled. 

By-and-by she raised her head and sat up in 
her chair. Her hand began to be withdrawn, 
but I held it captured. She looked at me with 


244 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 


a weak, pitiful smile through her tears; and in 
that face I saw the Rose I had dreamed of for 
so long — the heart of my heart and my love. 

“ It’s too late now, Davie,” she said, in 
answer to me; though I had said nothing save 
the look that was in my eyes. “We maim 
twine.” 

“ Rose ! ” I cried. 

“ Ay, Davie, I loved ye fine ! ” 

“ Rose ! ” I cried again, and would have 
raised the hand I held to my lips; but she would 
not have it. 

“ It’s too late now, Davie, when we maun 
twine sae soon.” 

“ And ye love me. Rose ? ” I asked. 

“ That I do, Davie,” she said. “ Richt weel, 
too.” 

“ And yet ye would go to Manners ! ” I cried. 

“ Ay, but for my father’s sake ! ” she replied. 

“ Y et ye would go into Manners’ arms loving 
me as ye say ? I canna believe it ! ” I cried. 

“ I said I would go to Manners,” she said, 
quietly; “ but there’s a dirk between me and 
his arms. Ye say I canna love ye weel, Davie,” 
she cried, standing up before me straight, a 


A BLINK OF SUNLIGHT. 


245 


bonny maid. D’ye ken the auld sang, Davie ! 
that the auld folk sing hereabouts of Maid 
Marion ? — 

“ ‘ And if we twa ne’er wedded be 

Nae ither man shall ever bide wi’ me.’ 

Ay, Davie, and I’m the Maid Marion.” 

'' Oh, Rose ! ” I cried, beside myself. '' Gie 
me ae chance to succour yer father, and do ye 
bide here. Let my love cry for me. It’s been 
lang in the coming, and, oh ! but it’s sweet in 
its tide. It’ll be mair torture for yer faither to 
live and ken ye’re wi’ Manners, than ony device 
the blackheart could use on him. Gie me ae 
chance to win him clear, and I swear that gin 
he fa’s I fa’ alangside him; if my life can clear 
him, then a deid man am I. Lippen till me, 
Rose, and God in heaven curse me for ever if I 
be not a true man till ye. Twa deid men are 
better than a dishonoured woman. Say yes, 
Rose ! ” 

''Ye tempt me sairly, Davie ! ” she cried. 
" But then his life if ye fail.” 

" He’ll die a man and not a madman,” I 
replied. " Think ye he would live in peace if 


246 FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR, 

ye were in the Rover ? Gie me the chance, 
Rose ! ’’ 

God help me ! ” she cried. My love for ye 
is in the balance with the love I have for my 
father, and I canna decide.’’ 

Say yes. Rose ? ” 

Rose pondered long, with many a look at me; 
then she came straight forward and put her arm 
round my neck (ready was I to bend to her), and 
kissed me full on the lips. 

I raised her hand to kiss it, but with a smile 
she looked up at me and said : 

My lips are yours, Davie, from now, hence- 
forth, and for ever.” 

And think not that I was backward in availing 
myself of my privilege. 


CHAPTER XXIX. 


WE SET OUT ON THE RAID. 

We rode out of Anstruther next night after 
the gloaming had fallen — Jock Hay, Seth 
Rilas, Gallows Dick (one of Jock’s men), and 
myself ; but ere I ask you to ride with us I 
might as well gather up the thread of the web- 
making of the day. 

I cannot write of what was betwixt Rose 
and me, I would not if I could. A mummer 
in a pulpit were less desecration of a holy place 
than the telling of the inmost thoughts of my 
maid. 

Oh, the magic of love that makes two hearts 
sib to each other ! Who shall sing of it ? 
Not he to whom it has come, for, as money 
cannot buy it, neither can he have it who 
would traffic in it, nor are there words to tell 
of it. 

Now, if I had told my tale aright — if my 

247 


248 FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 

maid is as was once your maid — then you who 
read, if ye have drunk of the potion, can lay 
down this book and read the page in your 
hearts of May-day — of the springing of the 
flowers, the singing of the birds, of the blood 
that makes life spring in you, and of the love 
that made it May-day. Never a one grew so 
old who could not at his will read that sacred 
page. 

If you be young and have no thought of 
love yet, save sometimes in the spring when a 
listlessness and longing come and drive out 
thoughts of sport, then you cannot be with 
me in my joy; but you can take it from an old 
man who has seen life that the best prayer a 
young man can pray is for a clean heart and 
a pure spirit, so that when the soul of his 
maid uncloses he may enter into it clean and 
unstained. 

My love had come to me in my hour of 
agony and hers also, and that made it none 
the less keen. There’s no sauce like hunger 
for a good meal; and what added a relish to 
ours was the fact that our courtship might be 
short. To some this would have meant tears, 


WE SET OUT ON THE RAID. 


249 


but we had come together with the full knowl- 
edge of it and were not to be scared, and, as I 
have said, it put a fine edge on our appetites. 

No dawdlin’, frequent among lovers, was 
ours. No spinning of the sweetness into fine 
threads so that each thread might glorify its 
especial day. We had no time nor liking for 
the pleasure. 

Only once my maid faced the days to come, 
saying : 

“ Oh, Davie, Davie ! what if this should be 
our last meeting ? ” 

“ Never think of it, lass,” I said, heartily. 

“ But what if it should be ? ” she whispered, 
bending her head on my breast and clinging to 
me. (What a man I felt myself to be !) 

“ Oh, Rose ! ” I cried, “ wi’ the love so sweet 
that is mine, and in me, I could win through 
the dark pit itsel’.” 

“ But it is possible,” she said, with a sob. 

“ Possible, probable, ca’ it what ye will,” I 
cried from my heart. “ I’m so selfish, I grudge 
a moment of this time spent on the time to 
come. What if I die. Rose ? I couldna ask 
a better cause. If God in His power sees fit 


250 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR, 


to tak' me, is it for me to grudge Him my life 
when He has given me an hour of your love ? 
His power is great, lass, but as Maister James 
Melville says. His mercy is greater, and 
doubtna that He'll bring us together again, 
else why should He have bound our twa hearts 
sae close ? I tell ye. Rose, Fm sae full of the 
knowledge that I have your love that Fm 
content. It's mair than I could hope for, it's 
as much as I had in my power to wish for. 
It's like a springtide — nae other could reach 
higher — so I'm content. Let's mak' the maist 
o’ the hour, sweetheart, for how dae I ken that 
ye’ll be the same again, my changefu' maid ? 
Let’s mak' the maist o' the hour. Rose, and 
leave the morrow to God and the strength o' 
my arm." 

She took my advice, seeing I was so keen on 
it, and our love and not our fears held sway. 

The next day had a doleful face on it. From 
the crowd that clustered about the house and 
the Marie the night before, cursing and swear- 
ing great oaths of vengeance on the bloody 
pirates, we had had great hopes of forming a 
company that would follow us to the North after 


WE SET OUT ON THE RAID. 


251 


the men from Manners had gone clear away; 
but we had let our moment of luck slip from us 
unused. The brave crowd had had time to 
sleep on it, and when they awakened, both the 
fear for their skins and the scoldings of their 
helpmates had cooled their ardour — more than 
cooled it — had fairly drowned it. So when we 
went round them in the morning we had com- 
miseration enough and to spare, but no offer of 
blades and of men to wield them, no offer to 
follow us on our desperate mission. We urged, 
and were first met with excuses. We better 
urged, and for our pains and explanations were 
called madmen to go by land to attack a shipful 
of pirates — madmen, indeed, to think of 
attacking them at all, so great a terror did 
these scourges have for townsmen and others. 
So lest our plan might get wind by much talk- 
ing we were forced to desist. 

Half a dozen good men and true came to us 
with the offer of their swords, but they were at 
once too small a party and too great for our 
needs too. Too small to follow up our efforts 
with enough force to make force successful; 
too great to enable them to march with us 


252 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR, 


without suspicion being raised. However, we 
enlisted them, in order that Rose might have 
a guard while we were away, in case that 
further efforts like the first of Manners’ might 
be tried. 

Jock sent one man to Edinburgh to raise 
the cry there, but as it turned out — and as 
we heard afterwards, for we had not time to 
wait his return — with as little success. In one 
body the traders who had lost their moneys 
refused help, declaring in a letter^ — which I got 
hold of and preserved to their loss — that they 
were not inclined to send good money after 
bad, and that if we were foolish enough to try 
our chances against so strong a force, what 
were left of us, if any, and in the remote 
chances of our expedition being successful, 
could have their share of the cargo for their 
pains. Doubtless they sniggered cynically 
while they wrote these lines, but he always 
laughs the heartiest who laughs last. How- 
ever, we knew nothing of that matter when we 
rode out from Anstruther that night, but were 
big with the hope that soon behind our backs 
a great party would be coming to bring to 


WE SET OUT ON THE RAID. 


253 


fruition any advantage we might have gained 
before their arrival. 

We got to Ferry-Port-on-Craig with no 
adventure on the way, save that, taking to the 
hillside, in order to avoid the marshy ground, 
we saw riding towards us four men. They 
kept to the Lowlands and were riding hard, so 
that, though we were none so well hidden, they 
saw us not. We had a good sight of them, how- 
ever, and Seth recognized two as men of the 
crew of the Rover y so that we had no doubt as 
to their being the party, and many congratula- 
tions Jock Hay got from us for his correct read- 
ing of Manners' probable thoughts. 

We were just riding on again when all at once 
Gallows Dick let out a great oath, and, with a 
slap on his thigh, exclaimed: 

'' I've got him noo ! " 

Got what, ye daft gowk ? " cried Jock. 

Did ye notice the man in charge of the 
party. Captain ? " said Gallows Dick. 

I didna pay particular heed to him," an- 
swered Jock. 

'' Then ye didna recognize him ? " asked 
Gallows Dick, anxiously. 


254 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 


No, man, I didna,’' said Jock. But, noo 
ye speak o’ it, his face was kinna like some- 
body’s, though I couldna tell ye wha’s.” 

What sae ye to ' The Daredevil ’ ? ” asked 
Gallows Dick, riding up knee for knee with 
Jock, and peering into his face. 

Dod, man, ye’re richt ! ” cried Jock. Dare- 
devil it was, and your auld comrade too.” 

Who’s Daredevil, Jock ? ” I asked. 

The stoutest and maist loyal sodger ever I 
kent,” said Jock, warmly, and that’s no ex- 
cepting mysel’. He was wi’ Gallows Dick and 
a wheen mair o’ us in the Low Countries for 
a year or twa, but that’s five years ago. A 
grand hand. Daredevil,” muttered Jock, as the 
memory doubtless of the lawless times sprang 
up in his mind. 

A great hand. Daredevil,” he said again, 
but to me this time. '' And a loyal ane to boot. 
He was a man like this. Let him tak’ service 
under anybody, and for as long as the conditions 
were kept up by the ither side. Daredevil would 
have ridden through fire alongside them, and 
never a cheep frae him. Folk wha kent him 
best, liked him best, and them wha used him 


WE SET OUT ON THE RAID, 


255 


to the letter o’ agreement got guid service oot 
o’ him. Some folk made the mistake o’ playing 
fast and loose wi’ him, and kent o’ their mistake 
to their cost — for, at the least sign o’ treachery 
or double-dealing wi’ the affairs he had in hand, 
Daredevil was on the scent o’t, and keen as a 
hound too. Syne if the double-dealing proved 
to be true. Daredevil was theirs nae longer. An 
auld saying o’^his was, ‘Fair to the face, and 
fair to the back, am I to my employers, but I 
expect the same frae them; and, by heaven. I’ll 
hae it, or ken the reason why.’ 

“ A grand hand. Daredevil, tak’ him a’ thro’,” 
added Jock. “ Nae twists in him but that, and 
that couldna be ca’d a twist, for it’s mair an 
extra straightness.” 

“ D’ye see ony way o’ makin’ him o’ service 
till us ? ” I said, as we drew up at the ferryboat 
and dismounted. 

Jock gave a shake o’ his head. 

“ I’ll think o’t, Duras ; but I’m feart no, 
unless Manners has been trying some o’ his 
tricks on him, and we can prove it clearly to 
him.” 


CHAPTER XXX. 


MURDER AT THE FORD. 

We Stayed at the ferry-hut for two days 
arranging our disguises anew, and preparing as 
much as possible for an encounter with the men. 
The ferryman was an old man by the name of 
Angus, an eerie kind of man altogether. His 
weird face comes back to me at times yet, and I 
can call up in my memory his exact figure, 
though that was the only time I ever came in 
contact with him. The face, coupled to a mis- 
shapen figure, gave us anything but a good im- 
pression of him, and without his aid, or at least 
his connivance, the plan we had thought on 
could hardly be a success; so that, for a while, 
we thought on trying some other. 

Jock, however, had a long talk with the man, 
and he turned out to be not such a bad body at 
all, so we sat down in some comfort until the 
seamen would return. 


256 


MURDER AT THE FORD. 


257 


The plan that we had settled on was a simple 
one, but none the worse of that. 

One of us was to be constantly on the watch 
on a bit of uprising ground that gave a good 
view of the road from Anstruther, so that at 
the first sign of the seamen’s return we might 
be warned. At his cry, attired as grooms, we 
were to be getting our horses on the ferryboat, 
just as the seamen came up. Being in such a 
hurry, as they doubtless would be, and seeing 
us meagrely clothed and unarmed, they would 
be for using the ferry before us. Now, our 
plan was to let them have their will of it at 
first, until they had got off their beasts; then, 
grumbling and cursing at our hard luck, we 
would mix among them till each man of us was 
aside his enemy. 

Then Jock was to let drive at Daredevil, his 
old comrade, with one of the stretchers of the 
boat, hard enough to stun him only. At that 
sign we were to draw the only weapons that 

would be on us — namely, dirks, and Well, 

we did not care to say what was to happen 
then, and, besides, it was not needed. Each 
man of us knew it was to be no maid’s work. 


258 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 


but though we spoke not of what was actually 
to be done after we drew our dirks, our plan 
rested on the fact that not one of the four sea- 
men, save Daredevil, would ever need his horse 
again. 

Just as gloaming was settling down into 
night on the second day at Ferry-Port-on-Craig, 
Gallows Dick, who was on the watch, rode up 
hot with the news that they were coming at a 
good round pace. 

Angus, the ferryman, got ready his boat, and 
we our horses. 

We were driving the first beast aboard when 
our gentry rode up. At first they were coming 
with us, and were civil enough, but when they 
saw that the size of the boat forbade, nothing 
would do for them but that we would render up 
our right to the first crossing. For a moment 
or two they were daunted at our clangour, but 
when they saw our mean dress and want of 
arms, they were quick to push in among us, 
laying their whips upon our shoulders. When 
we would have answered them back in their 
own coin their whips were dropped, and their 
hands went to their swords. Cowed, we shrunk 


MURDER AT THE FORD. 


259 


at the sign, and yielded way sullenly to them. 
With a scornful smile at our pusillanimity, they 
withdrew their hands from their hilts and dis- 
mounted. 

“ Here, knave, drive my horse aboard,” cried 
one of the seamen, flinging the reins to me. 

I caught them in silence. 

The other seamen were quick to follow their 
comrade’s lead, and, as contemptuously, flung 
their reins to the others of our party, staying, 
however, by their horses’ heads the while. 

Jock had put himself in the way of Daredevil, 
and it was his horse he held. 

“ Tak’ him on ! ” cried Daredevil to Jock. 

“ It’s an ill thing that we hae baith to gie 

up ” began Jock, in a thick voice, when 

Daredevil came up to him. 

“ Drive him on ! ” he cried, fiercely. 

Jock obeyed so sullenly that Daredevil fol- 
lowed him till his horse was fairly aboard. 

“ It’s an ill thing ” began Jock again. 

“ Tether him ! ” cried Daredevil, standing up 
to him bullyingly. 

Jock bent down to the bottom of the boat as 
if to find the rope; then, next moment, he had 


26 o 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 


raised himself to his full height, and, ere ever 
Daredevil could draw, a boat stretcher whistled 
in the air and came full down on the latter's 
head. He sunk to the bottom of the boat with- 
out a moan. 

It was foul work this striking of men from 
behind — once, twice, and thrice — seeing them 
go down like stricken swine, and feeling the 
filthy grip of the dirk handle loathsome in one's 
fingers. The smell of blood stank in our 
nostrils. 

Angus ran shrieking into the ferry-hut. 

In the mirk we knelt each by his man and 
made siccar; and then rose with our eyes to 
ground, caring not to look his neighbour in the 
face. 

More was to be done yet, and we did it 
quickly, stripping each dead man of his clothes 
and consigning him to the water with the splash 
of the body for his sole requiem. Then we got 
into the boat, driving our quivering horses 
before us, with never a word spoken. We 
washed our hands, but all the waters of the 
Tay were not sufficient to rid us of the feel, 
and every other moment I fancied that my 


MURDER AT THE FORD, 261 

fingers were again sticking together with the 
drying blood. 

Jock cried to Angus to come out, but for a 
while in vain. At last he came forth, and laid 
our swords in the boat. 

Row on yerseFs ! ’’ he cried. ‘'Ye hae left 
me ill enough dreams. Row on yersehs, and 
leave the boat at the ither side; I want to see 
yer faces nae mair.’’ 

We got out the oars and set to, glad of some 
motion to help us to get rid of the thought. 
In the middle of our passage a groan came 
from the bottom of the boat where Daredevil 
lay. 

“ Dod, we had forgotten him ! ’’ cried Jock, 
with an attempt at a laugh that grated sadly on 
our nerves. 

Some water was poured over the stunned 
man’s head, and by-and-by he recovered and sat 
up, looking wonderingly about him. 

“ Where am I ? ” he asked. 

“ On earth,” cried Jock, “ when it was mair 
fit that ye should be wi’ yer comrades in hell.” 

Daredevil sprang to his feet and felt for his 
sword, but we had removed it. 


262 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 


Nane o’ that, Daredevil ! ” cried Jock. Lie 
ye quiet, man, or it’ll be the waur for ye.” 

Ye know me ! ” exclaimed Daredevil. 

Ay,” answered Jock sadly. 

Daredevil peered through the mirk at Jock, 
but what with the darkness and Jock’s disguise 
could make nothing of his features. 

'' Who are ye ? ” at length he asked. 

Jock Hay.” 

'' Jock Hay ! ” cried Daredevil, in surprise. 

Jock Hay, my auld comrade,” he added, 
with a touch of joy in his voice. Man, Jock, 
but I’ve longed to meet ye again,” he said, 
cordially, putting out his hand to Jock. 

Jock left it untouched. 

Daredevil drew it back slowly. 

Things maun be sadly changed, Jock Hay, 
if ye refuse my hand,” he said. I ken fine 
I’m yer prisoner — the worsted in the fight — 
and am at your mercy. But, man, never gie a 
thought to that, or how ill ye may have to deal 
wi’ me. Daredevil was never ane to wear his 
sword in war, and cry a ^ parley ’ when his 
throat was in danger. Never gie that a thought, 
Jock. Let what’s to come, come, but let twa 


MURDER AT THE FORD. 263 

old comrades embrace for the joy of their meet- 
ing.” 

Again he put out his hand, but none was 
stretched out to his. 

“ It’s no that,” said Jock, slowly. 

“ What is’t then ? ” said Daredevil, proudly. 

“ I’m loth to tell ye to yer face for the sake 
o’ auld times,” said Jock. “ There’s Gallows 
Dick, anither o’ oor clan, maybe he’ll tell 
ye.” 

“ By my troth, a good meeting,” cried Dare- 
devil, turning to Gallows Dick fondly, and fling- 
ing his arm round his neck. 

“ Hands off ! ” exclaimed Gallows Dick, 
roughly, rising to his feet and freeing himself 
none too tenderly of Daredevil’s arm. 

“Ye also ? ” cried Daredevil, with the pain 
of the insult deep in his voice. 

He sank his head in his arms for a while, 
pondering bitterly, and then raised it again to 
speak. 

“ ’Twas none too good a trade I’ve been in 
lately, but a man must live, and there was no 
other at the time. But neither fighting Jock 
Hay nor Gallows Dick were ever so gentle- 


264 FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 

minded as to look down on a trade where 
money was got at the risk of life.” 

“ It’s no that,” said Gallows Dick, well 
primed by us as to his conduct to his com- 
rade. 

“ Then in God’s name,” cried Daredevil, 
“ tell me what it is that makes two old com- 
rades shrink at my touch. We have been 
where fair blows and foul blows were hot, and 
we stood by our patron and together as com- 
rades, each true to his service. The service 
I’m in is na worse than some we fought 
together for. Tell me, then, wherein I have 
sinned so deeply that ye would refuse to take 
my hand.” 

“ Daredevil,” began Gallows Dick, gruffly, 
“ we’ve been freelances at times, and have ta’en 
by micht what wasna oors by reason. I blame 
na ye for that, for the morn I micht return it 
to mysel’. But in oor comradeship that ye speak 
o’, what think ye would have been the name 
gi’en to a man wha traded in women’s honour ? 
wha set a price on the purity of ane of his 
mother’s kind ? Tell me the name ye would 
have gi’en him. Daredevil ? ” 


MURDER AT THE FORD. 265 

Ye know well yourself, Gallows Dick,’’ said 
Daredevil, between his teeth, that had he 
been of us a rope and the first tree would have 
been his fate, and no name foul enough for his 
corpse.” 

And yet, kenning that,” cried Gallows 
Dick, harshly, kenning that, ye ^ — ye would 
offer yer hand to us ? ” 

Daredevil stared vacantly at the man. 

What has that to do with me ? ” he ex- 
claimed. 

Ah ! ” cried Gallows Dick, everything in 
the world, for it’s the service ye’re riding on, 
ye pimp that ye are ! ” 

‘'Ye lie in your throat!” cried Daredevil, 
springing towards him, and almost upsetting 
the boat. 

Jock laid his heavy hand upon Daredevil and 
drew him back to his seat. 

“ Quiet ! ” he commanded. “ And less free in 
your language, too, or oor patience and yer life 
will come to a speedy end. Ye say that 
Gallows Dick lies, but we ken better ; and. 
Daredevil, I would rather have seen ye dead 
than riding on such an errand.” 


266 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 


I tell ye, ye lie ! ’’ cried Daredevil again. 

It’s easy proved,” cried Jock. What er- 
rand do ye say ye were on ? ” 

In the matter of arranging for a ransom,” 
said Daredevil, sullenly. 

By word of mouth ? ” asked Jock. 

“ By letter,” answered Daredevil. 

Ye’ll have the answer on ye then ?” said 
Jock. 

‘‘ I have,” answered Daredevil. 

“ Open and read it, then,” said Jock. 

‘‘ That’s against my orders,” replied Dare- 
devil. 

That’s very likely,” said Jock, with a sneer, 
and a bonny way to get oot o’ yer trouble. 
Either ye’re a fool or a knave, or ye would ken 
the errand Manners sent ye on. Ay,” he added, 
as Daredevil started up at the name, ‘^ye see 
we ken a’ about yer precious Captain; and, on 
my word of honour. Daredevil, comrade o’ the 
auld time, if that letter doesna prove what we 
hae ca’d ye, we’ll let ye and it gae in peace.” 

^‘Ye know all?” asked Daredevil, after a 
moment’s pause. 

Ay, all,” said Jock, emphatically. '' And 


MURDER AT THE FORD. 267 

for the auld time I wish I could think ye didna 
ken what I ken to be inside that letter/’ 

‘'And what’s that ? ” said Daredevil, fiercely. 

“ The selling of a woman’s honour,” answered 
Jock, firmly. 

“ On your word of honour, Jock Hay ? ” 

“ On my word of honour I say it is so,” an- 
swered Jock. 

“ Then I believe ye in so far that I’ll break 
trust with my patron and open the letter, and 
if he has deceived me he shall rue bitterly the 
day he gave me his foul work to do.” 

He tore open the letter, and while Jock got a 
light I could hear Daredevil vowing deep ven- 
geance on Manners if the letter proved Jock’s 
statement. 

The tinder kindled, and by its glow Dare- 
devil read these words written by Rose : 

“ If only the possession of my body will con- 
tent ye, then the bargain is made — my honour 
for my father’s life.” 

He spoke no word, but sat with his face and 
body motionless. 

Jock laid his hand on his shoulder. 


268 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR, 


Ye kent na what was in it ? ’’ he asked, and 
this time kindly. 

Daredevil shook off his deeper thoughts and 
rose to his feet, looking Jock straight between 
the eyes. 

By the soul of my mother, I did not.'’ 

I kent it ! ” cried Jock, with the great hearty 
ring back in his voice again, and, falling to, he 
and Gallows Dick made much of their old 
comrade. 

After a while, when the first joy o’ their 
meeting had subsided, — and no slight thing it 
was to these men to meet after years of separa- 
tion — men who had proved their friendship by 
the sacrifice of their blood at sundry times for 
the others’ safety, — when this joy had subsided, 
Jock cried: 

'' And we’re auld comrades once more ? ” 

Ay, but not for long,” said Daredevil, his 
face growing set again. 

'' How ? ” cried Jock. Maun we part 
soon ? ” 

Ay,” Daredevil answered. I’ve got a vow 
on my soul. I’ve to seek out this hound 
Manners, and teach him the last lesson he’ll 


MURDER AT THE FORD. 269 

have in this life. I must leave ye on account 
of that.’^ 

There’s nae necessity/’ said Jock. 

How ? ” asked Daredevil, quickly. 

We’re gaun on the same mission,” answered 
Jock, with a laugh. 


CHAPTER XXXL 


DAREDEVIL JOINS OUR ENTERPRISE. 

Again we found that Jock had reasoned out 
correctly the thoughts of Manners, for Dare- 
devil gave us the information that the Rover 
was lying in the mouth of the Ythan river, 
more than two days' ride from Broughty Ferry. 
What with the meeting of his comrades, the 
disgust at the crew of the Rover that had always 
been in him since he had joined the boat, and 
the treachery of Manners, it did not require 
very much coaxing to get Daredevil to take our 
side. 

It's a wee like treachery on my part," he 
muttered; but Jock would not listen to him, 
laughing at the idea that the besting of such 
a crew by whatever means would be called by 
such a dignified name. 

Treachery, indeed ! " he roared, in his great 
By my feth, but it's not ! It's God's 

270 


voice. 


DAREDEVIL JOINS OUR ENTERPRISE, 271 

punishment on a heartless set of villains, that’s 
what it is. Ye were never meant for a pirate, 
Daredevil, else ye widna be sae nice in yer 
language. Treachery ! my heart, if this is 
treachery, what name would ye give to Man- 
ners, wha ate o’ Simon Carter’s bread and 
drank o’ his wine, then turned on him like a fox 
in a fowlyard ? ” 

Jock and Gallows Dick kept up such a 
terrible ‘‘ on-ding ” of like talk on the subject, 
that at last the poor man — was it but for the 
sake of peace ? — consented to help us in our 
desperate undertaking. 

It went sad against the grain at first, I could 
see, for in some of his principles Daredevil, so 
far as they carried him, was the soul of honour. 
What did in a great measure tend to make him 
take our side was the sheer wildness of the 
scheme — four men marching against forty — 
for, as Jock told me, the thing that Dare- 
devil loved was the making of the impossible 
possible. 

At any rate, let his private impulses and 
thoughts be as they might be, we had got him 
on to our side by the middle of the next day, 


272 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 


and, once joined, we found in him no half- 
hearted comrade. 

We plied him with many questions, and got 
curious answers to some of them. To one of 
these especially we received the information that 
most of the crew were living, not on board the 
boat, but on the shore. 

“ Ye’ll mean just during the day,” cried 
Jock. 

“ No,” said Daredevil with a grin. “ Both 
night and day.” 

“ Dod, but that’s curious,” said Jock; “what 
brings that about ? ” 

“ Well, ye see,” said Daredevil, “ the men are 
a set of cowards when the drink’s out of them 
— cowards to the steel, but rank cowards to the 
Pest.” 

“ Hae ye got the Pest on board the Rover ? ” 
I cried. 

“ So I was given to believe,” answered Dare- 
devil, with the same cunning smile twitching his 
lips. 

“ Wha’s got it ? ” cried Jock. 

“ Simon Carter,” he answered. 

“ That’s the end of all,” I said, letting my 


DAREDEVIL JOINS OUR ENTERPRISE. 273 

bridle slip from my fingers. “ It was bad that 
he should be in bondage, but this mak’s the 
bad waur.” 

It seemed like an end to all our planning, for 
whatever little chance we had of getting him 
clear, sound and hale, able to help himself, it 
was certain that that little would be reduced to 
nothing if we had to reckon on carrying away 
a sick and helpless man. 

“ Haud on a wee, Duras,” said Jock, “ ye 
dinna ken Daredevil as weel as me ; he’s a 
jokin’ kind o’ body in his ain grim way, and 
frae the manner he tells this story I would sus- 
pect there’s something ahint it a’.” 

“ I would suspect that myself,” answered 
Daredevil to Jock. 

“ Dinna be sae sparin’ o’ yer speech, man,” 
cried Jock, anxiously. “ Tell us hoo it a’ 
happened, and what ye suspect to be wrang. 
Set to, man, and gie us a fair screed o’ it a’.” 

“ Well, it was like this,” answered Daredevil, 
settling down to his yarn. “ Once we had got 
free of the Marie and got hold of her gold, the 
crew turned to Manners and asked him what 
he meant to do with Simon Carter, meaning 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 


m 

that if he was not worth his keep they would 
be pleased to settle up with him themselves. 
And ye know what that meant. 

‘‘ Manners lent a deaf ear to them for a while, 
till they started to lay hands on Simon, and then 
he turned on them. ^ Ye fools,’ he cried, ‘ that 
man’s ransom is worth nearly as much as we’ve 
got in the hold already ! ’ 

Though each man’s share of the plunder 
was more than he had ever looked for at the 
trade, they were still greedy for more; and 
though some of the crew were keen to be on 
shore again in some safe port where they might 
have leisure to spend their ill-gotten gains, the 
majority sided with Manners, and lauded him 
loudly for his shrewdness. So a return to Scot- 
land was settled on. 

As soon as we got anchored most of the 
men were eager for a settlement of the plunder 
that they might go ashore and enjoy themselves, 
but Manners put his foot down on that. 

‘‘ ‘ Not a penny will ye get till we have settled 
about Carter’s ransom, got the money, and won 
clear of Scotland.’ 

‘‘ He was frightened, ye see,” added Dare- 


DAREDEVIL JOINS OUR ENTERPRISE. 275 

devil in explanation, '' that the men would run 
wild over the countryside and bring down on 
them and the Rover the King’s justice, or the 
vengeance of the traders. 

Now, on board the Rover there were forty- 
two men forby the Captain. Thirty of these 
were blackguards ill to match — men who, mad- 
dened with their continual drunkenness, had 
no more control over themselves than a bairn. 

When they learnt that they would have to 
wait for the better part of twelve days before 
the ransom could be arranged and they could 
get leave to satisfy their ill appetites, they were 
keen on taking the shortest way out of it — 
killing Simon Carter. 

But the other ten men (Tm not counting 
myself) were men who were in the business to 
make the most money out of it at the least 
expense of their skins. They saw no reason 
for endangering their lives by letting the where- 
abouts of the Rover be known, as would have 
been the result had the men got their shares 
and had gone like demons to the countryside. 
Likewise they saw less reason for killing the 
goose that, kept alive, could give them golden 


276 FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 

eggs, so they stood by the Captain. There 
was the likelihood of a very pretty shindy 
between the two parties had not Manners 
stood up and in his softest voice proposed that 
the matter should be left over till next morning. 
As it was then late at night, there was no oppo- 
sition to this. Some pretty plotting went on 
that night to which I was no party, but the 
outcome of it was that next morning the news 
was given out that Simon Carter had taken the 
Pest. 

^‘Ye can mak’ what ye like of that,’’ said 
Daredevil with a grin. As for me, I put no 
trust in it at all. It was well-arranged though, 
for no sooner was the news well spread over 
the boat and the men getting together in 
groups, pale of the face, to discuss them, than 
who should come running up the ladder than 
Simon himself, the very spit of death. His face 
was blue, his een staring out of his head, and 
his cries for ‘ Water ! water ! ’ more pitiful than 
anything I have ever heard. 

Ye never saw such a skeered pack of 
cowards in all yer life. Men, who the night 
before were keen on killing him, now that they 


DAREDEVIL JOINS OUR ENTERPRISE. 277 

had his chance, ran from him like weans from 
a madman. Not one of them would go within 
a yard of Simon, and that only when they 
were jouking past him. The cry was all to get 
off the boat now, away from the Pest on to the 
shore. Some cried out, ‘ Kill him first, and then 
leave the Rover for a week till it gets rid of the 
smit ! ’ 

“ It was easy crying, but who was to do it ? 
That was what they could not find. Their sole 
desire now was to get clear of the ship, and 
they were determined upon leaving her for a 
while. 

“ Some of them dared the Pest in so far as 
to try and get at the treasure, but the ten men 
who stood by the Captain held them off. 

“ ‘ None of that ! ’ cried Manners. ‘ Share 
and share alike is the rule, and ye must wait till 
it’s counted up and yer shares reckoned.’ 

“ But they were in no mood to wait, and 
willingly agreed to his next proposal that seals 
should be put upon it, and that a watch should 
be arranged for the care of it and the Rover. 

“ ‘ Come now,’ cried Manners, ‘ who’ll volun- 
teer to stay by me ? ’ 


278 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 


'' One by one the ten men stepped up and 
agreed to keep a regular watch. 

‘ Then ye can go ashore now/ cried Man- 
ners to the others, ' till we get the boat free from 
the Pest, and the less communication ye have 
with the ship the better/ 

To this the cowards agreed, and the long- 
boat took a load of them ashore and then re- 
turned to the ship for the rest. 

Manners looked at me, and seeing I was not 
going, came up and said : 

' Are ye not for the shore ? ' 

‘ No,’ I said, looking him in the eyes; ^ Pm 
not afraid of the Pest.’ 

He looked at me again. 

‘ Ye’ll be ane of them who would rather have 
the man’s life and away, than wait a bit and have 
his ransom ? ’ he asked. 

' Indeed I’m not ! ’ I cried. ' I’m for the 
money, no matter how long we wait.’ 

^ And ye do not fear the Pest ? ’ 

^ No this Pest,’ I answered. 

‘ Ye’re keen of the sight,’ he said, sourly. 

' I learnt it in my youth.’ 

' Then see that ye be not too keen ! ’ he 


DAREDEVIL JOINS OUR ENTERPRISE. 279 

cried, giving me a dark look out of his 
eyes. 

“ ‘ They see best who speak the least,’ I said, 
with a laugh. 

“ From that moment all that day he had a 
civil word to me, and at e’en he had me down to 
his cabin, and with many compliments put me 
in charge of the party and the letter containing, 
as he said, the conditions of the ransom.” 

“ So ye think that Simon is in the plot, and 
just making believe ? ” I asked. 

“ I wish I may never be worse in health than 
he ! ” Daredevil cried. 

“ And there’s only ten men and the Captain 
on board the ship ? ” asked Jock. 

“Ye’re wrong, Jock,” said Daredevil, “for 
the three men ye — ye know of were taken from 
the ten, and that leaves only seven.” 

“ And the rest of the crew ? ” Jock asked. 
“ Where are they ? ” 

“ Some are lodging in change houses in New- 
burgh, others were forcing themselves into farm- 
houses round about, but the main lot are camp- 
ing on the shore about half a mile to the west 
of where the Rover is lying.” 


28 o 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 


Then, Duras, weVe a chance yet ! ” cried 
Jock, cheerily. 

A better chance than what we thought when 
^ve started, Jock,’’ I said, but a fell bad ane 
yet.” 

Where were ye to meet Manners to gie him 
his answer ? ” I asked of Daredevil. On the 
ship ? ” 

Daredevil brought his hand down on his thigh 
with a bang. 

By the cross, but Fate is playing into my 
hands ! ” he cried. Manners’ cunning is 
proving his own destruction. The wily devil, 
I see now, was afraid of the answer being seen 
by other eyes than his if I brought it aboard, 
so he arranged that I should meet him at dusk 
on the headland at the mouth of the bay before 
going on to the Rover. It’s there I’ll teach 
him his lesson ! ” cried Daredevil, with an evil 
laugh. 

''Ye maun leave that to me,” I said, quietly. 
" I have more wrongs than ye to avenge.” 

"Never!” cried Daredevil; "it’s my hand 
will strike him.” 

" Not so,” I said; " I claim my right.” 


DAREDEVIL JOINS OUR ENTERPRISE, 281 


Daredevil cried out at that, but Jock inter- 
rupted him. 

Duras is right, Daredevil,’’ he said. Ye 
see, he’s gey chief with the maid wha writes the 
letter.” 

Chief er than ye ken, Jock ! ” I cried. 

But no chief er than I thoucht,” said Jock, 
with a laugh. So ye see,” he said, turning 
again to Daredevil, he has the best richt to 
the killing; for while ye have but yer ain quarrel 
to avenge, he has a maid’s, and women should 
aye be first, lad.” 


CHAPTER XXXII. 


AT PINCH OF DEATH. 

Dusk fell when we were within three miles 
of our destination — within three miles of the 
mouth of the Ythan river — within three miles 
of my revenge. At Drums we cast off the 
filthy rags of grooms’ clothes that we had been 
masquerading in, and put on the cleaner if less 
respectable suits of the dead sailor-men. Gal- 
lows Dick was to ride wide of us, as there was 
no suit for him, and as we could not take him 
along with us if we meant to follow out the 
plan that had been arranged. 

They’re in need o’ patching, these claithes,” 
said Jock. 

We did the job as neat as we could,” 
growled Seth Rilas. But if the dirks are to 
reach the man, ane canna be very particular 
about his duds.” 

There was no moon when we rode out again, 
neither was there to be any that night. 


282 


AT PINCH OF DEATH. 


283 


Outlined against the sheeny sky we saw 
Manners pacing to and fro on the Head. At 
the jingle of our horses' harness he stopped his 
walk and stood on the alert. 

I thought that Daredevil was to be trusted, 
but nevertheless I rode by his left hand with 
ready dirk. 

Manners whistled softly a signal. Daredevil 
answered him with the reply. 

We rode steadily up the rise with never 
a word until within a hundred yards of 
him. 

Halt ! " he cried, suddenly. 

We drew up our horses as quickly as he had 
cried, keen to get as near as possible ere we 
were discovered. 

Who's there ? " Manners asked; for, though 
we could see his figure against the starry sky, 
he could discern nothing of us, still situated as 
we were in the hollow. 

It's me — Daredevil," was the answer 
promptly given. 

Manners gave a sigh of relief, and we saw, or 
at least imagined we saw, his figure relax from 
its alert attitude. 


284 FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 

“ Have ye got the answer ? ” he cried, com- 
ing towards us. 

We put our horses again in motion, and went 
to meet him. 

Daredevil without a word handed him Rose’s 
letter, and at the same time we dismounted, and 
got our horses between Manners and our- 
selves. 

Manners fingered the letter in his agitation, 
and we were in terror lest he should discover 
the fact that it had been opened and but 
clumsily mended. 

He tore open the covering, and, going aside 
from us a step or two, attempted to read the 
writing by the pale light of the stars. 

“ Light a bit of tinder, man ! ” he cried, at 
length, to Daredevil. 

“ My flint’s broken,” said Daredevil. “ Here 
you,” he cried to me. “ Snap yer lock and light 
some tinder. Hold it up near the Captain for 
him to read by.” 

I stepped forward to Manners’ side with one 
of the dead sailors’ huge pistols in my hand; 
not for use — neither for a glow nor a shot. 
Not thus was Manners to die. His life was 


AT PINCH OF DEATH. 285 

not worth the chance of our discovery at the 
noise of a pistol. 

I stood still for a moment. He turned to 
me with an oath at my tardiness. Our faces 
were within a couple of feet of each other, and 
we could each see the other’s features plainly. 

Our eyes met. The oath died away on his 
lips when he saw who was by his side — when 
he read that which was in my eyes. I let the 
pistol drop to the ground. Paralysed, as a jay 
is by the serpent’s eyes. Manners stood motion- 
less, his jaw drooping, the whites of his eyes 
prominent by reason of his terror. 

I caught him by the throat. A deep, abiding 
hatred was in the grasp; all the slow-gathering 
wrath of many days past steeled my muscles. 
When a man “gangs wud” four men are ill put 
to it to hold him in check. I put forth all my 
strength — the strength of madness, if you will; 
it served my need. 

He made a feeble effort to reach the dirk in 
his girdle, but I was before him with my left 
hand, and sent the blade glimmering over the 
cliff into the sea. 

Again his hand went to his girdle, and he 


286 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 


pulled out the pistol. I caught his wrist in my 
hand, and with a wrench broke it like a rotten 
branch, and with a sound as like. 

He tried to wrestle, to reach my throat, and 
made sundry other attempts to free himself. In 
vain ! He was as a child in my grasp, or, 
rather, my hatred had given me the strength of 
a giant. 

His struggles grew feebler. I looked into 
his face and saw the coward manifest therein. 
Disguised well as it might be in his bravado 
strut of life, it came out at the pinch of death. 

One last effort he made, and then his limbs 
grew quiet. I held him for a while, looking 
all the time at the white sheet of paper that lay 
at my feet, my anger nourished at the sight. 
Then I took him in my two hands, and, walking 
to the Head, flung him over. 

I went back to the others. When, before, I 
had killed the seamen, my eyes rose not to meet 
my neighbours’; but now I looked them in the 
face. The shame of blood-spilling was not in my 
soul as before, neither did I discern aught of 
that feeling in their eyes to me, and each came 
forward and took my hand gravely, without 


AT PINCH OF DEATH. 


287 


many words, save from Daredevil, who still 
harped on the same string that '' that should 
have been my job ! ’’ 

When Gallows Dick had rejoined us we 
tethered our beasts in the hollow, and, climbing 
again to the Head, weary and with sore limbs 
from our long ride, we lay down upon the grass. 

Underneath us was the mouth of the river — 
narrow towards the sea, but opening the wider 
the further it went inland. Dimly we could 
see the Rover in the centre of the bay, moored 
fore and aft with her cables, with plenty of 
berth room, as Daredevil told us, to swing her 
round in case she was surprised. 

And axes lying ready to cut the cables, 
too,’^ he added; ^Hor, whatever else Manners 
was, he was a prudent and canny captain.” 

Further inland, on the same side of the bay 
as ourselves. Daredevil pointed out to us the 
white tent where those sailors slept who had 
not found other lodging. 

We lay for a while too weary even to think, 
until at last the rising wind made the blood run 
chill in our veins. 

WhaFs to be done next ? ” said Jock. 


288 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 


No one answered for a little. A thought 
came suddenly into my brain, and, at the heat 
of it, without pondering on the method of 
attainment, I rose to my feet and cried: 

Let’s tak’ the Rover ! ” 

They raised themselves upon their elbows to 
look at me. 

Let’s tak’ the Rover ! ” cried Daredevil, 
with a sneer, though I could see the very 
daring of the proposal had found a friend in 
him. Let’s tak’ the Rover, indeed ! Suppose 
wo do manage it, what are we likely to do with 
her ? Do ye think we could navigate her prop- 
erly, or even win her clear of the bay ? Man, 
afore ye could question it she would be aground 
on this same Head.” 

I dinna say we could navigate her prop- 
erly,” I urged, ‘‘ but surely five sturdy men 
could mak’ a shape at it.” 

Five sturdy men,” said Daredevil, imitating 
my tone, ‘‘ five sturdy men, but two of whom 
have never been on the sea in their lives, barring 
across the Channel maybe as passengers. But 
even letting that go by unquestioned, how are 
ye to get her out of the bay ? ” 


AT PINCH OF DEATH. 


289 


“ As for that,” I replied, “ Seth Rilas here is 
the best man for giving us an opinion. D’ye 
think it’s possible, Seth ? ” I asked. 

Seth got up on his feet and gave a seaman’s 
look all round. 

“ Wind nor’-nor’-west, rising fast, likely to 
blow great guns,” I heard him mutter, and then 
he turned to me, asking : 

“ Could ye promise me time to get up a jib, 
Maister Tak’-the-ship ? ” 

Now I had not got that far with my plan, but 
I even took it upon me to give him that promise. 

“ Then it’s possible,” said Seth, quietly. 

Only it’ll be touch and go — ^mair touch than 
go, I misdoubt. It’ll maybe be a deil of a scrape 
by.” 

“ Supposing we risk that,” said Jock, now 
hot as myself with the idea. “ Supposing we 
I'isk that, could ye undertake to tak’ her into 
port, safe, with a crew of — three landsmen, ane 
hauf sodger, hauf sailor, and yersel’ ? ” 

“ It’ll be as God wills,” said Seth. “ I’ll no 
disguise frae ye the fact that it’ll be a rotten 
crew and a risky voyage, but I’ll no say it nay 
if ye so decide.” 


290 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 


“ Then what d’ye say, Daredevil ? ” I asked. 
'' Will we chance it ? ” 

Oh ! I’m with ye,” he said, gallantly and 
carelessly. ‘‘ It’ll be a near thing, but then a 
near thing is just what I like. I might as well 
tell ye that it’ll be a nearer thing than you 
seem to imagine; for, apart from the danger 
itself. Manners was expecting the Hawk to join 
him about this time. If the Hawk meets ye 
on the road away with the Rover, there’ll be 
some bonny explanations needed before ye 
come oot of the affair with whole skins. 

However, if we mean to get Simon Carter 
clear, ye’ll have to board the Rover; and if we 
board the Rover, we might as well get killed 
for a sheep as a lamb. So I say, if ye’re 
that way inclined, then hurrah for the pirate 
pirated ! ” 

So there and then, without further palaver, 
we decided on risking the greater chance, and 
laid our plans accordingly, the which I will not 
trouble to write, as what they were or what 
they were not will appear in the action itself. 


CHAPTER XXXIII. 


THE PIRATE PIRATED. 

If we mean to get the Rover out/’ cried 
Seth, as we went down the hill, we’ll hae to 
hurry, for the tide’s juist on the turn.” 

With this new incentive to spur us on, we 
made towards the sea where the longboat and, 
we supposed, the dingey lay, the latter being the 
one that Manners would probably use in his 
coming ashore. 

When we got to within three hundred yards 
of the spot, the four of us dropped down full 
length on the sand and let Daredevil go forward 
alone, either to cajole the man who had come 
ashore with Manners into joining the seamen in 
the tent or get rid of him in some way. 

Presently we heard the voices speaking : 

Is that cursed Captain of ours no coming 
soon ? ” cried the sailor’s voice. Does he think 
I’m made of metal that he should keep me aboot 
here in a wind like this for hours ? ” 


291 


292 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 


Toots, man,’’ said Daredevil, ye must have 
patience; he’ll be here in less than two hours 
from now.” 

Two hours ! ” cried the seaman, two devils 
you mean ! Man, mate,” he added, in a 
persuasive tone, ye might tak’ my place for a 
wee bit. I’m deid cauld, and sair in need of a 
wee drap. Just ye bide by the boat and I’ll slip 
doon to the tent. I’ll be back in less than 
twenty minutes. Come on, mate, dae a com- 
rade a guid turn when it’s in yer power.” 

If I was sure of ye coming back,” we heard 
Daredevil mutter thoughtfully. 

I gie ye my word I’ll no be hauf an hour,” 
the seaman urged. 

'' Speed away then,” said Daredevil, '' and 
here, comrade, nip a flask of Hollands for me 
when ye’re at it.” 

The man’s feet crunched the sand as he ran, 
and we barely let the sound die away ere we 
were round the boat, eager to be at the work. 
With mighty goodwill we put our shoulders to 
the longboat, and soon had it afloat. We had 
all got in, and out the oars, when Daredevil 
jumped ashore again, and strode over to where 


THE PIRATE PIRATED. 


293 


the dingey’ lay. With a lusty kick of the foot 
he drove in some of the planks, insomuch as to 
render it useless as a boat. 

We might be detained yonder,” he explained 
as he got in, with a jerk of his head in the 
direction of the Rover, and Fve no wish to 
tak’ more of the creatures' lives than is neces- 
sary. They might come bothering about us, 
ye see, if we left them the means of it.” 

The boat drove slowly over the water. Ever 
and again we had to turn her head west to 
make up the leeway, for the wind was now blow- 
ing half a gale. 

Presently we got alongside the Rover. We 
had expected that of the seven men on board 
two or three might be on the watch and the 
rest asleep; but circumstances proved us wrong, 
for we had forgotten to take into our calculations 
the plunder of the Marie. As it turned out the 
whole seven were sitting in the cabin counting 
out their ill-gotten gold. There were only five 
of them at the job at the first, but soon the two 
who had been left on the watch, their ears 
tickled by the clink of the coin, crept down 
and joined the others. This was the reason 


294 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 


we were not hailed as we got near the Rover; 
and though unaware of what had given rise to 
our good-fortune, we were quick to take advan- 
tage of it. 

We sailed into the lee of the Rover, and were 
feeling round her side for the ladder, when all 
of a sudden a squall, fiercer than usual, drove 
the longboat with a thud against the side of the 
ship. 

Instantly there were cries from those within 
the ship, and though we had found the ladder 
and made haste to ascend, it was only in time 
to confront the seven men, who with bare cut- 
lasses had rushed on deck. 

When they saw Daredevil, however, their fear 
went from them, and they came towards us. 

“ Is the Captain no with ye ? ” cried one of 
them, a great brawny seaman, with shoulders on 
him like a bullock’s. 

“ No,” cried Daredevil, “ he’s not with me, 
neither will he ever walk this deck again; for 
he’s dead ! ” And with that he whipped out 
his sword, and engaged him who had asked the 
question. 

We were not far behind him, and soon there 


THE PIRATE PIRATED, 295 

was a pretty to-do on board the Rover, I had 
had some dealings with the Rover's men before 
this; but I now knew that it was not with the 
best of them, for their fighting was not to be 
compared to that of our opponents. 

Each of the five were quick to select their 
man, while two of them kept running about, 
trying to get behind us, and aye prod prodding 
away with their cutlasses whenever they saw a 
chance. 

It was a most fierce and bloody combat. 
We who had boarded had to get the better of 
them, or die in the attempt. There was no 
middle way out of it. They fought for their 
ship, the plunder, and their lives; seeing that 
for the latter no quarter would be offered, and 
seeking none, since they had so manifest an ad- 
vantage over us. 

Jock was the first to get down his man, 
though it had cost him dear; for he was twice 
wounded, once in the leg and then again in the 
side. He tackled one of the two who had been 
so free with their blades, and though weak with 
loss of blood, still managed to keep up a good 
sword. 


296 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 


Just then Simon’s head appeared as he came 
up the ladder from the fore cabin. I could have 
laughed at the sight of it had I not been so busy. 
I only got a glimpse of it at that time; but a 
more laughable make-up I never saw, since I 
knew that it was a make-believe. The colour 
of it was meant to be blue, but in the starlight it 
looked a vivid green. 

“ A good sword, Maister Carter ! ” I cried. 

“ Duras ! ” he exclaimed in astonishment. 

“ Tak’ a blade and fa’ to ! ” I cried. 

He got upon the deck with a vigour that 
spoke well for his years and ill for his supposed 
sickness, 

“ Wi’ great pleasure, lad,” he said, going up 
to the mast and taking a cutlass from the rack. 

Now the fight was more equal, for we had 
each a man and one only. 

Up to this time I had been making a fair 
show of fence myself ; but, putting more 
strength into my play, I found to my terror 
that I had burst the old wounds which I had 
got in the former melee. At the first I was 
taken aback, and played so wildly that had my 
opponent been watchful he might have taken 


THE PIRATE PIRATED. 


297 


his advantage. But this he did not, and on 
recovering my nerve I saw that he had some- 
thing else in his mind than only the fight. 
Since our numbers had been equalised we had 
been less careful of keeping the bulwark of the 
Rover at our backs, and at that moment I was 
fighting near the centre of the deck. I could 
not understand what my man was meaning to 
be at, for he kept circling round and round; but, 
when he had got between the side of the vessel 
where we had boarded and myself, suddenly 
he let drive a vicious lunge at me. I sprang 
back and parried it also, though it had near 
brought me to grief. The lunge was so reck- 
less that he had laid himself open to a sure 
return, and I had drawn back my hand to give 
him the coup de grace, when to my astonishment 
he let fall his sword and sprang for the side of 
the ship, tumbling over the bulwark ere I could 
draw breath. 

Don’t let him win away with the boat,” 
cried Daredevil, quickly. 

I ran to the side, and plunged my sword after 
him. I missed the man, but cut one of the 
ropes of the ladder, so that it swung round with 


298 FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR, 

his weight, and his foot got entangled in the 
cords. 

He struggled violently to release it, and had 
got it clear again, and was descending hand 
under hand, when I brought my sword down 
on the remaining rope and cut it through. The 
longboat had swung out from the side a little, 
and in his fall the man’s head struck one of the 
rowlocks with a ghastly thud ere he disappeared 
into the water. I waited for a little to see if 
he would reappear, but never a sign of him 
could I see. 

I turned just in time to see Simon’s man go 
down before him. Jock was the hardest 
pressed, so I went to his aid, and soon between 
us we had sent the man to answer for his 
crimes. 

Simon had gone to the help of Seth Rilas, so 
Jock and I turned to where Daredevil and the 
brawny seaman he had engaged at the first kept 
up their combat. When this man saw us come 
towards him he gave a great cry of rage, and 
his face lighted up with a fiendish glare. 

Ye at least shall never enjoy the price of 
yer treachery ! ” he cried to Daredevil, and. 


THE PIRATE PIRATED, 


299 


dropping his sword, he sprang swiftly upon him 
ere Daredevil could prevent him. Lifting him 
like a babe in his arms the seaman ran with him 
to the side of the ship, and before Jock or 1 
could get near enough to stay him he leaped 
with his burden into the dark waters. As they 
went overboard I saw Daredevil let his sword 
go and reach quickly for his dirk. 

We ran to the side, but stare as we might no 
sign of the two could we see. The sea had 
risen, and the wind was driving the waves into 
white foam. 

Can he swim ? I yelled to Jock. 

No a stroke ! ” Jock cried, sadly. 

Then here goes ! ” I cried, throwing of¥ my 
doublet. 

Never shall I forget the icy grip of the waters 
round my heart as I went deep into them with 
the force of my dive from the deck. I thought 
I should never get to the surface again. When 
I did, and as soon as I got my breath, I peered 
anxiously all around for a sign of Daredevil, 
but not a thing was to be seen save the wide 
expanse of white. Presently, however, against 
the wind I heard a faint cry. I struck out in 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 


ZOO 

the direction of it, pausing only to free my 
dirk, lest it might be the seaman who had 
given it. 

Again came the cry; this time it was fainter, 
and from one in mortal agony. A small black 
speck against the white I saw for a moment; 
the next, it had disappeared. I got to the spot 
in time to grip it as it came up again. ’Twas 
Daredevil, and I could have shouted in my joy. 
’Twas Daredevil, and as gallant as ever, though 
more than half drowned. 

Put yer arm round my back ! ’’ I cried to 
him; and when he had done this and was float- 
ing comfortably (comparatively) by my side, I 
began to make for the Rover again. 

I was saved the dreich hard swim against 
the wind and tide, however, for Seth came 
down with the longboat and took us in. As we 
pulled at the oars on the way back I cried to 
Daredevil : 

How did ye manage to get rid of him ? ’’ 

I sent my dirk to his heart before we had 
struck the water,’’ Daredevil answered. It 
pained him so that he flung open his arms in 
his agony ; I kicked out from him, and 


THE PIRATE PIRATED. 


301 


here I am,” he added, laughingly, “ thanks 
to ye.” 

“ And here we are,” I replied, as we got on 
board, “ sole owners of the Rover, thanks to 
ye.” 

“ One good turn deserves another ! ” he cried. 
“ But don’t be so crouse about the Rover till ye 
get her safe into port.” 


CHAPTER XXXIV. 


THE END OF THE FIGHT, BUT NOT OF THE 
FAVOUR. 

Seth Rilas being the only true sailor among 
us, naturally took command of the Rover; and, 
weak with our wounds, stiff and sore, now that 
the heat of the fight was by, we found in him a 
hard taskmaster. 

Up wi’ the jib, lads, and quick, if ye want 
to win clear this tide ! ’’ he cried. 

We did our best; but this was poor enough, 
for the wind caught the sail ere it was half set, 
and after that we could not budge it an inch. 
Just as we had begun to raise it, Simon at the 
bow and Seth at the stern cut the Rover from 
her moorings. 

Seth ran to the rudder and got a grip of it, 
then turned to see what sort a shape we had 
made of our task. 

His barrenness of speech deserted him at the 

302 


THE END OF THE FIGHT. 


303 


sight of our failure, and I have rarely heard a 
more comprehensive string of curses than the 
language he flung at us. 

“Ye expect me to tak’ ye oot of this narrow 
bay wi’ that only to mak’ steerage way ! ” he 
cried. “Ye lubbers, dae ye think this is a 
drying green that ye should hang oot yer shirts 
to flap in the wind ? We had sma’ chance 
before, but the Lord hae mercy on oor souls 
noo ! ” 

Under bare poles the Rover had been strain- 
ing at her cables like to break them; but now, 
freed, and with some little sail on, she sprang 
away like a thing of life. Wearily, I took a 
look at the fast approaching headland, towards 
which we seemed to be making straight as an 
arrow from the bow, wondering if that was to 
be the outcome of all our hard, bloody work. 
It was pitiful if it was to be, but it pained me 
very little after all. A languid feeling came over 
me that I could not have shaken off had I been 
inclined to try. So I stood and watched as one 
lies and dreams. 

I saw Seth jamming her tiller hard up, and 
Simon running to his aid to keep it there. I 


304 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 


took a look at the headland again to see if the 
Rover had answered to her helm, but could dis- 
cern little difference. 

Now we were near it. Little by little the 
Rover's head was coming up into the wind, but 
it seemed too little to clear us, so fast were we 
driving. 

The crisis came, and with a scrape we won 
past and out into clear water. A faint cheer 
came from the stern as I let myself drop to the 
deck, and curled myself up where I dropped. 

Simon came up to me after a while, near 
dancing with pleasure, and was for me to join 
him in his joy; but I turned irritably from 
him. 

WeVe tricked them, lad ! ’’ he shouted. 

Tricked them bravely ! Tell us all about it, 
Duras.’’ 

'' Oh, let me sleep,’’ I cried, with an oath. 
'' Read that, and you’ll get some news,” I 
added, putting into his hands the letter Rose 
had written to Manners. 

He did so and came back for more informa- 
tion, but I treated him scurvily, and he went 
to Jock; but Jock had just finished binding 


THE END OF THE FIGHT. 


30s 


his wounds, and he drove Simon from him with 
oaths. 

Daredevil was occupied in trying to sub- 
stitute wine for the water he had unwittingly 
swallowed, and with him Gallows Dick was 
playing a good trencher, both being well gone 
in their cups by this time. Little did Simon 
get from him, and less from Seth, for when he 
went to the latter Seth silently put the tiller 
into his hands, then curled himself up like a dog 
at his feet. 

So the Rover drove through that night of 
tempest at the mercy of God and His winds, one 
man being at her tiller and the rest asleep and 
heart-weary. 

I was awakened in the morning by a sound 
like the report of a cannon in my ears, and 
looking up I saw the reason of it. A squall 
fiercer than the others had blown the jib into 
ribbons. It was the last of the gale, however, 
for slowly the wind sank to rest after that. 

I rubbed the sleep from my eyes and, sore 
and stiff, got upon my feet. About half a mile 
from us I saw a ship, flying a signal of distress. 
She was wallowing heavily in the sea, and so 


3o6 fighting for favour. 

far down in the bow that one, even a landsman, 
could see that she had strained herself and was 
taking water freely. 

Simon and Seth were watching her at the 
stern, and I got from them the knowledge that 
she was the Hawk, Manners’ consort. Even 
were we so inclined we could have rendered 
them no help, and so we stood watching the 
ship go down into her grave. 

She’s in a fair way to join Manners,” was 
Jock’s remark, and even while he spoke, with 
her stern rising to the dive, the Hazvk plunged 
from out of our sight. 

'' Peace be to their souls ! ” cried Jock, 
gravely. They’re deid noo,” he added, more 
lightly, and we should speak nae ill of the deid, 
but ane canna forbear the remark that there 
was a guid riddance o’ bad rubbish.” 

Now, when the wind had abated, and we had 
managed to get up more sail on the Rover — not, 
you may imagine, in a way to please Seth, but 
still sufficient to carry us into Anstruther, — 
Simon at last got a full description of the 
various events that had happened in his 
absence, and learned with certainty what he 


THE END OF THE FIGHT. 


307 


had guessed from the letter, that the ransom 
demanded for him was not money but his 
daughter’s honour. 

He was loud in his praise at my conduct, 
louder than was his wont in praise, and I 
bethought me that nowhere could I get a better 
opportunity and time of broaching the matter 
of my love than at present. It was with some 
diffidence that I began my tale, for Rose had 
told me of the set of his mind with regard to 
her, and that embraced her marriage with a 
goldsmith in Edinburgh, a middle-aged man by 
the name of George Heriot, a wealthy man, and 
likely to be more so. 

As soon as he gathered my meaning his 
praises stopped and his brows went down. 

'' Ay, ay,” he said lightly, we’ll speak of this 
some other time.” 

There’s nae time like the present, Maister 
Carter,” I made bold to say. 

He glowered at me across the cabin table and 
said : 

At least even ye will give me time to con- 
sider the matter in.” 

How long ? ” I said, getting up, with a 


3o8 fighting for favour. 

sudden determination in my mind to make an 
end of the matter boldly for good or ill, putting 
on a brave front, as Rose had told me I was 
too little inclined to do. 

‘‘ Oh, a day or two,’’ he said, carelessly. 

I’ll tell Seth,” I said, opening the door. 

Tell him what ? ” cried Simon. 

To cruise about for a day or two,” I re- 
plied. I’m owner of this ship, ye maun re- 
member.” 

He looked at me darkly for a while, but I 
met his gaze straightly and was no whit 
abashed. 

I’m an ill man to drive, Duras,” he said, 
quietly. 

I’ve tried leading ye, Maister Carter,” I 
replied, quietly, '' and that wi’ ill success.” 

Sae ye would keep me on board till I con- 
sent, wad ye ? ” he cried, threateningly. 

I would,” I replied, recklessly. 

A subtle smile crossed his lips as he said: 

Well, I like ye nane the waur for’t.” 

How’s it to be then, Maister Carter ? ” I 
asked after a while. 

Duras,” he replied, I’ll be fair wi’ ye. 


THE END OF THE FIGHT, 


309 


YeVe done me a grand turn, and I would like 
to requite ye for it. But this ye ask runs 
sair against the plans IVe been laying for some 
years. Now, instead of the daughter, suppose 
I offer ye a partnership in my business, what 
would ye say till that ? 

'' That the offer was unworthy of ye and of 
me,’' I said quickly. 

I was a wee sweart to propound it,” he an- 
swered, and then sunk his head into his shoul- 
ders, pondering deeply for a time. At last he 
raised his head. Duras,” he said, I’ll gie 
ye a fair chance. If Rose says yea I’ll not say 
nay.” 

He said it in such a simple way, that for a 
moment I thought he had given way; but a 
little reflection on my part made me take 
another view of it, for, in my companionship 
with the man, I had got the knowledge that 
the simpler the expression of his face the more 
cunning there was in the brain behind. I 
knew Rose’s love and obedience to her father 
in all things, and I knew that he was depending 
upon it to help him. But for all his cunning 
he had this advantage, in that he was ignorant 


310 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 


of the fact that Rose had plighted her troth to 
me. 

I was content to trust in the maid. She had 
told me that she loved me, and so I said yea 
to his proposal, content to place on the stead- 
fastness of her love the hope of my happiness. 
Content ! Ay, more than content ! 

Circumstances proved me right, for when the 
Rover drew into the harbour. Rose was the first 
to come on board. With one look at her father 
only, she came into my arms for a moment 
before going to him. 

What does this mean ? ’’ he cried, roughly, 
putting her from him. 

I would have answered; but Rose was before 
me, and coming again to my side, said: 

No; and for this reason, a woman shall leave 
her father and shall cleave unto him.” 

Then breaking down from her proud state- 
ment, my loving maid ran to her father, 
crying: 

Oh ! father, I couldna help it. For yer sake 
I would have liked to have gone yer way, but 
Davie was ower muckle for me.” 

Ay, he was ower muckle for me, too,” said 


THE END OF THE FIGHT. 31 1 

Simon, grimly, but taking Rose into his arms. 
“ I thought I was guid at a bargain, but he 
turns out to be my better ; so, Duras, I sup- 
pose we maun juist change the title of my house 
intil Carter & Duras.” 

^ jjc sjc 

“ And is that all ? ” asks a little maid of 
twelve, as like Rose as a pea to another, and 
for whose pleasure this story was written in the 
long winter evenings. 

“ What more could there be ? ” I asked in 
reply. 

“ Then you got mother ? ” the little maid 
asks. 

“ Ay, that I did.” 

“ And what came after that ? ” 

“ Why, ye did, ye little witch,” I answer. 

“ Did I ? ” she asks, with her big black eyes 
wide open in surprise. “ Why, then I know 
all the rest myself. Ye made a lot of money, 
and then grandfather died; and then one day 
ye went away to see the place where ye were 
born in and where yer father and mother 


312 


FIGHTING FOR FAVOUR. 


lived. Then ye came here to live instead of in 
Anstruther.’’ 

What are ye two conspirators plotting 
now ? ’’ asks another Rose, coming into the hall 
and putting her hand on my shoulder. 

Father has just finished the story, mother,” 
cries little Rose. 

And what’s to be its name, Davie ? ” she 
asks. 

I was thinking of calling it ^ My Sweetheart 
Rose,’ ” I said. 

Call it ^ Fighting for Favour,’ Davie,” she 
says, with a smile, for a hard heart had I 
till ” 

Till when ? ” I ask with a smile. 

Till ye won your fight ! ” answers my wife, 
yet ever my Rose. 


THE END. 






LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



